Strengthen Your Passwords with Three Simple Tips
A strong password follows ALL THREE of these tips.
1. Make them long
At least 14 characters—longer is stronger!
2. Make them random
Helpful ways to do this are:
Use a random string of mixed-case letters, numbers and symbols. To best use these, you may need a password manager. A password manager is a subscription service that generates and maintains passwords for you. For example; BitWarden (https://bitwarden.com/) is free for personal use; or Apple's Keychain (https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204085) stores passwords and can automatically fill in password fields. Examples of these randomly generated passwords include:
- cXmnZK65rf*&DaaD
- Yuc8$RikA34%ZoPPao98t
Another option is to create a memorable phrase of 4 – 7 unrelated words. This is called a “passphrase.” Don’t use a phrase that makes sense. Put word combinations together that aren’t anything that someone would guess. Avoid using song lyrics, movie titles or other famous quotes. Use three or four longer words mixed with numbers and special characters. For example:
- Good: HorsePurpleHatRun
- Great: HorsePurpleHatRunBay
- Amazing: Horse Purple Hat Run Bay Lifting
Do Not Use Personal Data - Many people will use a pet’s name or their birthday when creating a password. Avoid personal facts, pet names, addresses, your children’s names or anything else you may have shared on a social media site. These become siphons of personal data used to hack your accounts to steal your identity
Use a Combination of Letters, Numbers and Symbols - Your password is more secure when you use letters, numbers and symbols in the sequence. The letters should be a combination of upper and lower case letters. Don’t just capitalize the first letter; mix them up. Use special characters, such as punctuation, to break up the letters and numbers.
3. Make them unique
Don't use the same password for each account. If someone discovers your password for one account, all of your other accounts will be vulnerable.
Other recommended links: