Top
Cyber Safe

Week 2 – Creating Strong Passwords

Simple passwords, such as 12345, or common identifying information, like birthdays and pet names, are not safe for protecting important accounts holding personal information. Using an easy-to-guess password is like locking the door but leaving the key in the lock. Weak passwords can quickly be broken by computer hackers. But it’s impossible to remember a unique strong password for every account!

The good news is that creating and storing strong passwords with the help of a "password manager" is one of the easiest ways to protect ourselves from someone logging into our accounts and stealing sensitive information, data, money or even our identities.

Strengthen Your Passwords with Three Simple Tips

A strong password follows ALL THREE of these tips.

1. Make them long

At least 16 characters—longer is stronger! 

2. Make them random

Two ways to do this are:

Use a random string of mixed-case letters, numbers and symbols. For example:

  • cXmnZK65rf*&DaaD
  • Yuc8$RikA34%ZoPPao98t

Another option is to create a memorable phrase of 4 – 7 unrelated words. This is called a “passphrase.” For example:

  • Good:        HorsePurpleHatRun
  • Great: HorsePurpleHatRunBay
  • Amazing:   Horse Purple Hat Run Bay Lifting

Note: You can use spaces before or between words if you prefer!

3. Make them unique 

Use a different strong password for each account.

For example:

  • Bank: k8dfh8c@Pfv0gB2
  • Email account: legal tiny facility freehand probable enamel
  • Social media account: e246gs%mFs#3tv6

 

Tip Sheet: Strengthen Passwords with Three Simple Tips

Use a Personal Password Manager

For most people, generating and remembering long, random and unique passwords for every account is not possible. Rather than write them down, use a password manager! A password manager is an easy-to-use program that generates, stores and even fills in all your passwords. Password managers tell us when we have weak or re-used passwords and can generate strong passwords for us. They can also automatically fill logins into sites and apps as we move from one to another.

When we use a password manager, we only need to remember one strong password—the one for the password manager itself. (Tip: Create a memorable long “passphrase” as described above.)

There are many password managers to choose from. Some are free, like the built-in password managers in your web browser, and some cost money. Search a trusted source for “password managers” like Consumer Reports, which offers a selection of highly rated password managers. Read reviews to compare options and find a reputable program for you.

When we use a password manager, we are much more likely to use a long, random and unique password on every site. And that makes it much harder for someone to steal our valuable information!

PRO TIP: Check to see whether your email accounts, banks, healthcare providers and other important accounts enforce strong password requirements. If they let you use a short password or a dictionary word, ask them why. It’s your information they’re putting at risk!

 

Reference:

U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). "Use Strong Passwords." CISA Secure Our World. Available at: https://www.cisa.gov/secure-our-world/use-strong-passwords. Accessed 20240925.

Contact Information

Offices