To choose a strong password, follow these key guidelines:
- Make it long: Aim for at least 16 characters. Longer passwords take exponentially more time for hackers to crack.
- Use complexity: Mix uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters to increase unpredictability.
- Avoid obvious personal info: Do not use names, birthdays, or common words that can be guessed or found on social media.
- Create passphrases: Use a sequence of unrelated words or a memorable phrase, mixing letters, numbers, and symbols for added complexity.
- Use unique passwords: Each online account should have a distinct password to prevent multiple account breaches if one password is compromised.
- Consider a password manager: These tools generate and securely store strong passwords so you don't have to remember them.
- Change passwords if notified of a data breach and enable two-factor authentication where possible.
Examples of good passwords include long strings of random characters or passphrases with substitutions and mixed case, such as "Dunkisgr84$umm3R" or a sequence like "nether-urgent-account-donkey" tied to a mnemonic image to remember it easily.
