How to Choose Strong Passwords: Tips for Everyday Users

 

A strong password is a lifeline of defense to hackers, identity theft, and an unauthorized access to your account in the current digital world. A lot of people do not have strong passwords, which makes it relatively easy for cybercriminals to get into one's personal data. The following blog will take you step by step through the process of developing powerful, secure passwords and further best practices on how to maintain them.

1. Avoid Common Password Pitfalls:

• DON'T use easily guessed data: Keep in mind information readily available online or that can identify you, such as your name, birthday, or pet's name.
• STEER CLEAR of simple, popular passwords: Passwords like "123456," "password," "qwerty," or "abc123" are far too common and easy to crack for hackers.
• Stay away from dictionary words: Hackers often use tools that test common dictionary words, so using a word from the dictionary (even in a variation) isn’t secure.

2. Make Your Password Long and Complex:

The more complex and longer your password, the harder it is to crack. Here’s how to make your password strong:

Length matters: Keep your password at least 12-16 characters long. The longer your password, the harder it becomes for hackers to guess.

A blend of the characters: 

•  uppercase letters (A-Z)
•  lowercase letters (a-z)
•  numbers (0-9) 
•  special characters (!, @, #, $, %, &, etc.)

Don't use predictable patterns: Avoid using clichéd patterns such as "1234" or "abcd." Random is great to keep your password guess-unfriendly.

Example: N8@Vh$k9!B7zX

3. Use Passphrases:

Use passphrases instead of just random characters. A passphrase is a string of random words or a sentence that's both memorable and hard to guess.

Example : "BlueBicycle!JumpsOver$22"

Why passphrases work: They combine length and complexity with memorability. You can generate a lot of ways of creating passphrases by combining random words, adding numbers and special characters, or using a phrase that only you would understand.

4. Use a Password Manager:

Managing lots of strong passwords for your accounts can be cumbersome. A password manager is a tool that securely and encrypts your passwords for safekeeping. It can also generate strong random passwords for each account and automatically fill in the passwords when required.

Advantages:

•  You remember one master password.
•  Password managers generate tough and unique passwords for each account.
•  They protect your passwords with encryption.

Common Password Managers:

•   LastPass
•   1Password
•   Bitwarden
•   Dashlane

5. Activate Two-Factor Authentication (2FA):

Two-factor authentication (2FA), even with a strong password, adds an extra layer of security. Using 2FA requires you to provide two different things: the first is something you know (your password), and the second is something you have (like a temporary code you receive via your phone or you get from an app).

Why 2FA Helps:

If someone else gets a hold of your password, they will not have your account, as they still need the second factor. This makes it much harder for hackers to break into your accounts.

Some Common 2FA Methods are:

• SMS codes: They send a code to your registered mobile number.
• Authenticator apps: Such as Google Authenticator, Authy, or Microsoft Authenticator.
• Hardware tokens: Physical devices like YubiKey.

6. Use Different Passwords:

The same thing goes with one password that fits most accounts, convenient but at risk. One account is compromised, then all other accounts that have the same password are in danger.

7. Change Your Passwords Periodically:

Change your passwords occasionally for safety, especially those for bank accounts, email addresses, and for work.

When to change your passwords

Change when you suspect that someone else might have acquired your password.

Change if the company you used has reported a breach of their data.

Every few months at the minimum for increased security

8. Beware of Phishing Attacks:

No password is secure enough against phishing attacks, where hackers make you believe the request for your login credentials is real. Be wary of unverified emails, texts, or websites asking for your personal information.

• Be on the lookout for these red flags: Phishing mostly arises through urgent or unexpected requests like "Your account has been compromised—click here to reset your password".

• Verify the URL: The website's address must begin with "https://" and be an exact match of the site you wish to visit. Phishers often use slightly altered URLs to fool victims.

• Avoid clicking on the links that appear in your email: Type the URL directly into your browser to access the website.

9. Secure Your Devices:

Your passwords are only as secure as the devices they're stored on. Make sure your devices are protected with strong passwords or biometric authentication (like fingerprint or face recognition) to prevent unauthorized access.

• Install antivirus software: Antivirus software protects your devices from various malware and other threat programs.

• Use a firewall: A firewall blocks malicious traffic from entering your network.

Encrypt your devices: In case your device is lost or stolen, no one will be able to access your files.

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