In today’s digital world, having a solid password that will protect your online accounts from hackers is more important than ever. But with so many different rules for creating a strong password, it can be hard to know where to start. This article will provide the golden rules for creating a strong password to keep your accounts safe.
Keep passwords different for different services
One of the best ways to create a strong password is to have different passwords for different services. This way, your other accounts will remain safe even if one password is compromised. Be sure to use a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols in your passwords, and make them as long as possible.
Make sure you change your passwords every six months or so
Changing your passwords regularly is essential, especially if you think they may have been compromised. A good rule of thumb is to change your passwords every 3-6 months.
If you’re worried about forgetting your new password, consider using a password manager to help keep track of them.
Create a strong password
A password is like a key to your home; it should be strong enough to keep out intruders but also something you can remember.
Here are some tips for creating a strong password:
- Use a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. A password made up of all lowercase letters is easy to guess. Adding uppercase letters, numbers, and symbols makes it much harder to crack.
- Make it long. The longer the password, the more difficult it is to guess. A good rule of thumb is to use at least eight characters.
- Avoid using easily guessed words like “password” or your name. Hackers can use dictionary attacks to try common words and phrases.
- Don’t reuse passwords. If you have multiple accounts, ensure each has a unique password. That way, if one account is compromised, your others will remain safe.
- Change your passwords regularly. Even if your current password is strong, it’s a good idea to change it every so often in case it’s been compromised without your knowledge.
Activate the two-step verification to get the protection you need
Good password hygiene isn’t just about picking a solid password. It’s also about ensuring your password is as secure as possible. One way to do this is to opt for two-step verification whenever possible.
Two-step verification is an extra layer of security that requires you to enter your password and a second code sent to your phone or email. This means that even if someone manages to guess or steal your password, they won’t be able to access your account unless they also have your second code.
While two-step verification can be a bit of a hassle, it’s worth the extra security it provides. So whenever possible, take the time to set up two-step verification for your online accounts.
Turn off autocomplete for user names and passwords
One simplest but most effective way to make your passwords more secure is to disable autocomplete for user names and passwords in your web browser. When autocomplete is turned on, your browser will automatically fill in your user name and password when you visit a website. This can be a severe security risk, as anyone with access to your computer can easily log into your accounts.
- To disable autocomplete in Chrome, go to Settings > Advanced > Passwords and forms. Under the “Passwords” section, uncheck the box next to “Enable Autofill”.
- In Firefox, go to Options > Privacy & Security. Under the “Security” section, uncheck the box next to “Remember logins for sites”.
- In Safari, go to Preferences > Passwords. Under the “AutoFill” section, uncheck the boxes next to “User names and passwords” and “Credit cards”.
If you use another web browser, consult its documentation to find out how to disable autocomplete for passwords.
Create stronger passwords with a password manager
If you’re serious about creating a strong and unique password for each of your online accounts, using a password manager is the best way to do it. A password manager software application helps you create, store, and securely manage your passwords.
Many different password managers are available, and they all work slightly differently. But in general, you’ll install the password manager on your computer or mobile device and then create an account with the password manager. Once you’ve done that, you can start adding passwords for all your online accounts.
The benefit of using a password manager is that you only need to remember one master password for the password manager itself. The password manager will then handle creating and storing strong passwords for all of your other accounts. This takes a lot of the burden off you, and you don’t have to worry about forgetting or reusing a password.
Some popular password managers include LastPass, 1Password, Dashlane, and Keeper. Do some research to find the right password manager for you and your needs.
Protect your account and never give your password out or send it over the internet
One of the golden rules of creating a strong password is never to send it via email or give it out over the phone. This is because both of these methods are insecure and can easily be intercepted by someone with malicious intent. If you must share your password with someone, do so in person using a secure method such as a password manager.
Conclusion
If you follow these golden rules for creating a strong password, you can rest assured that your account will be much more secure. You can create a password that will be virtually impossible to crack by combining upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. So take the time to create a strong password today, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your account is well-protected.