Buzz
As our lives become increasingly centered around online activities, maintaining a secure computing environment is crucial. Creating a password is not enough; it needs to be a STRONG password. However, a common misconception is that strong passwords are difficult to remember. So, how do you create a strong and memorable password?
Tips for creating a strong and memorable password
Creating Robust, Secure, and Memorable Passwords
1. Opt for a Passphrase
- Access the Passphrase HERE
The fantastic thing about a passphrase is its length, diverse characters, non-dictionary words, and, in some cases, the inclusion of special characters, making it challenging for anyone or any computer attempting to breach your password through hard-to-guess Brute Force. For example, my Laptop is black and ugly! - a 28-character password that is easy to remember and nearly impossible to guess or hack. Some services like Twitter may not allow passwords with spaces, so you just need to make a slight adjustment to fit the requirements of each platform.
Consider adding a numeric character if you seldom use two-factor authentication for your online accounts.
2. Trust in Password Management Tools
Two highly regarded password management tools are LastPass and 1Password. Both possess excellent features, not only assisting in creating strong, lengthy passwords but also securely storing them online for convenient access across all your devices.
3. Strong Passwords are Unique Passwords
Never use the same password across multiple websites, for multiple accounts. Sharing passwords across websites is like playing Russian Roulette. Just one hacked website and you lose it all, especially if that password is used across all your online accounts. Add an extra layer of security to your online activities by creating a unique password for each website. That's why you should use a password management tool. Each password is unique, and 1Password will alert you if you reuse a password.
4. Avoid using words from the dictionary
Your name, city name, or pet's name might sound nice but make terrible passwords. Dictionary words are easy to guess, and there are millions of applications out there specifically targeting accounts using dictionary words in any known language. The only exception to this rule is using dictionary words as passphrases, as mentioned above.
5. Maintain your passwords
Similar to most valuable assets in life, passwords also need maintenance. In other words, if you've been using a password for a certain period, consider changing it periodically.
Above all, writing passwords on paper or hiding them under the computer keyboard doesn't make them secure. So, don't do that. In most cases, if the worst happens and you forget the password, you can almost always reset it using your email address. You can also apply the password creation techniques to change the Wifi password for your home modem or workplace.
