A strong password is long, random, and unique for each account. Here are practical guidelines and actionable steps:
- Length: Aim for at least 12–15 characters. Longer is better.
- Character variety: Use a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
- Randomness: Avoid common words, sequences (like 1234 or abcd), and easily guessable patterns.
- Uniqueness: Never reuse passwords across sites.
How to create strong passwords, plus easy ways to manage them:
- Manual approach:
- Create a passphrase made of random words combined with numbers and symbols (e.g., "CorrectHorseBatteryStaple!7#"). Note: avoid famous phrases; mix in symbols and numbers.
- If you prefer character-level randomness, combine unrelated chunks (e.g., a string like “Q4!rZ9$mvKp@xL”). Don’t rely on keyboard patterns.
- Password manager approach:
- Use a reputable password manager to generate and store unique, long passwords for each site. Let the tool generate truly random strings and autofill them when needed.
- Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) on important accounts to add an extra security layer.
Tips to avoid weak practices:
- Do not reuse passwords across sites.
- Do not base passwords on easily found personal information (birthdays, names, pets).
- Do not rely on simple substitutions (e.g., P@ssw0rd) that are widely guessed.
- Change passwords after a suspected breach or if you reuse credentials elsewhere.
If you want, I can tailor a few strong example passwords for different risk levels or help you come up with a robust strategy for using a password manager.
