Passwords are your first line of defence for protecting your personal information - yet many people still rely on weak or repetitive passwords that leave them vulnerable to hacking. Creating secure passwords and using best practices like password keychains are essential steps to safeguarding your online accounts.
Why strong passwords matter
Weak passwords - such as "123456" or "password" - are easy for cybercriminals to crack using trial-and-error “brute force attacks” or automated tools. Once they gain access to one account, they can often access others if you reuse the same password. This is known as “credential stuffing”, where hackers use one stolen password to try and log into multiple sites.
Strong passwords provide a barrier against these attacks, and using different passwords for each account ensures that even if one password is compromised, the others remain secure.
How to create a secure password
A secure password is one that is long, random, and difficult to guess. Here are some guidelines for creating strong passwords:
Use at least 12 characters: The longer the password, the harder it is to crack. Aim for a minimum of 12 characters, but longer is always better.
Mix letters, numbers, and symbols: Combine uppercase and lowercase letters with numbers and special characters like !, @, and #. This makes the password more complex.
Avoid common words and phrases: Don't use easily guessable words or personal information like your name, birthdate, or things that are important to you. Instead, opt for random combinations of characters.
Why you should use multiple passwords
Using the same password across multiple sites is a dangerous practice. If one account is hacked, it could give attackers access to all your other accounts. That’s why it’s crucial to create unique passwords for each online service.
Using password managers
Remembering dozens of complex passwords can be nigh-on impossible. That’s where password managers or keychains come in. A password manager is a secure tool that stores and manages your passwords for you, so you only need to remember one master password. Here’s how they work:
Store passwords securely: Password managers encrypt your passwords, meaning that even if someone gains access to your password manager, they won’t be able to see your actual passwords without the master password.
Generate strong passwords: Many password managers have built-in password generators that create long, random passwords for you, ensuring they are as secure as possible.
Sync across devices: Password managers sync your passwords across all your devices, making it easy to log in whether you're on your phone, laptop, or tablet.
How to set up a password manager
Setting up a password manager is simple:
Choose a password manager: Popular options include LastPass, Dashlane, and 1Password. Many browsers, like Chrome and Safari, also have built-in password keychains.
Create a master password: This is the one password you’ll need to remember, so make sure it’s long and secure.
Import or create passwords: Start by adding your existing passwords or letting the manager generate new ones for you.
By creating strong, unique passwords and using a password manager, you can protect your online accounts from hackers and scammers. It’s an essential step in keeping your personal information secure—and actually much less stressful than trying to remember them all!
Image by Mohamed Hassan from Pixabay
