Creating a strong password can save your login credentials from unauthorized access. In today's digital world, where data breaches are increasingly common, having robust passwords is your first line of defense.
Here, I will help you create a strong password for any of your accounts in 10 simple steps:
1. Use 12+ Characters – Longer is stronger.
Firstly, you have to choose a password that has at least 12 characters in it. The longer your password, the more difficult it is for cybercriminals or automated tools to crack. Avoid thinking of personal names, popular places, months, and so on. It should be unique and not easy to figure out.
2. Mix Upper & Lowercase – Increases complexity.
Simply using lowercase letters makes a password predictable. By incorporating a combination of uppercase (A-Z) and lowercase (a-z) letters, you significantly increase the number of possible character combinations, making your password much harder to guess.
3. Add Numbers & Symbols – Boosts security.
Don't just rely on letters. Integrate numbers (0-9) and special symbols (!@#$%^&*()_+=-`~[]{}|;':",./<>?) into your password. These additional character types drastically expand the potential password variations, making it exponentially more secure.
4. Avoid Common Words – No "password123" or birthdays.
Steer clear of dictionary words, common phrases, and easily guessable personal information like your name, birthdate, pet's name, or address. Hackers often use lists of common words and phrases in their cracking attempts. A strong password should be seemingly random and unrelated to your personal life.
5. Make It Unique – Don’t reuse passwords.
It's tempting to use the same password across multiple accounts, but this is a significant security risk. If one of your accounts is compromised, all accounts using that same password become vulnerable. Create a unique and strong password for each online service you use.
6. Use a Passphrase – A sentence is harder to crack.
Instead of a jumbled string of characters, consider using a passphrase. This is a memorable sentence or a string of unrelated words. For example, "BlueElephantSingsAtMidnight" is much harder to crack than "blueelephant". Just ensure it's not a commonly known quote or phrase and still incorporates a mix of character types if possible.
7. Update Regularly – Change passwords every few months.
Even the strongest passwords can potentially be compromised over time due to data breaches or sophisticated hacking techniques. It's a good security practice to change your passwords every three to six months. This limits the window of opportunity for unauthorized access if a password were to be compromised.
8. Enable Two-Factor Authentication – Extra security layer.
Whenever possible, enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) or Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) on your accounts. This adds an extra layer of security beyond just your password. Typically, it requires you to provide a second verification code (often sent to your phone) in addition to your password when logging in from a new device.
9. Store Passwords Securely – Use a password manager.
Remembering a multitude of strong and unique passwords can be challenging. Consider using a reputable password manager. These tools securely store your passwords and can even generate strong, random passwords for you. They encrypt your password vault, making it highly secure. Just remember to create a very strong master password for your password manager itself.
10. Test Before Saving – Ensure you remember it.
After creating a new password, type it out a few times to ensure you can remember it correctly. While password managers are helpful, there might be situations where you need to recall a password manually. However, avoid writing your passwords down on easily accessible notes. If you must write them down, store them in a secure and discreet location.
By using the above smart point you can save your accounts and not one can even think of it to hack your password. so keep sharing and help your friends to save their social accounts as well.