Here’s a way to make a strong password that’s very hard to crack. Follow these steps:
How to create a strong, complex password
Think of a phrase or sentence with at least eight words. It should be something easy for you to remember but hard for someone who knows you to guess. It could be a line from a favorite poem, story, movie, song lyric, or quotation you like. Example: "I Want To Put A Dent In The Universe"
Remove all but the first letter of each word in your phrase: IWTPADITU
Replace several of the upper-case letters with lowercase ones, at random: iWtpADitU
Now substitute a number for at least one of the letters. (Here, we’ve changed the capital “I” to the numeral 1: iWtpAD1tU
Finally, use special characters ( $, &, +, ! @) to replace a letter or two -- preferably a letter that is repeated in the phrase. You can also add an extra character to the mix. (Here, we’ve replaced the “t” with “+”, and added an exclamation point at the end.) : iW+pAD1tU!
12 Tips to Create Strong and Safe Password
Creating a strong and safe password is crucial for protecting your online accounts from unauthorized access. Here are some tips to help you create strong and secure passwords:
1. Length: Use a password that is at least 12 characters long. The longer the password, the harder it is to crack.
2. Complexity: Include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters in your password. Avoid using predictable patterns or common sequences.
3. Avoid personal information: Avoid using personal information such as your name, birth date, or address in your password. This information can be easily guessed or obtained by attackers.
4. Unique passwords: Use a different password for each online account. Reusing passwords across multiple accounts increases the risk of multiple accounts being compromised if one password is breached.
5. Passphrase: Consider using a passphrase instead of a single word. A passphrase is a series of words or a sentence that is easier to remember but still difficult to crack. For example, "CorrectHorseBatteryStaple" is a strong passphrase.
6. Avoid common passwords: Avoid using common and easily guessable passwords such as "123456," "password," or "qwerty." These passwords are commonly targeted by attackers.
7. Randomness: Generate passwords using random combinations of characters. Use password managers or online password generators to create strong and unique passwords.
8. Regularly update passwords: Change your passwords periodically, especially for sensitive accounts. It's recommended to change passwords every three to six months.
9. Two-factor authentication (2FA): Enable two-factor authentication whenever possible. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second verification step, such as a unique code sent to your mobile device.
10. Use a password manager: Consider using a password manager application to securely store and manage your passwords. Password managers can generate strong passwords, store them encrypted, and automatically fill them in for you.
11. Beware of phishing attempts: Be cautious of phishing attempts where attackers try to trick you into revealing your password. Avoid clicking on suspicious links or providing your password on untrusted websites.
12. Keep passwords private: Do not share your passwords with anyone. Avoid writing them down or storing them in easily accessible locations.
Remember, the strength of your password plays a significant role in securing your online accounts. By following these tips, you can create strong and secure passwords that are harder for attackers to guess or crack, helping to protect your personal information and online identity.