Tips for secure passwords

• Never give out your password to anyone
• Don’t use the same password more than once
• Use a mixture of upper and lowercase letters as well as alpha and numeric characters
• Use a pass phrase rather than a password
• Use a password manager
• Click the button below to find out more

Advice on creating a secure password

Our 3 top tips for creating a secure password are:

1. Use a combination of alpha and numeric characters

   A simple, common word can be cracked in less than a millisecond. Inject a mix of lowercase and uppercase letters, numbers, and symbols (@, %, and #), and your password can suddenly take more than a decade to crack.

2. Make passwords longer

   Each time you add a character to a password, it exponentially increases its security. For example, eIt can take:

   • .29 milliseconds to crack a simple 5 letter password
   • 5 hours to crack a simple 9 letter password
   • 5 days to a crack simple 10 letter password
   • 4 months to a crack simple 11 letter password
   • 1 decade to a crack simple 12 letter password
   • 2 centuries to crack a simple 13 letter password

3. Use a pass phrase

   Experts are now recommending “passphrases” rather than passwords. They make it easier to remember but consist of random words, numbers, symbols, and upper and lower case letters. L0V3p4oPr1v@cy&EaT!cecR3aM! might be a good example. Aim for 20 characters or so — using seemingly random words strung together along with numbers, symbols, and upper and lower case letters.

4. Use a password manager

   It is simply impossible to use unique and secure passwords for every single site and service without some help. Password managers provide a secure solution to this problem. We’ve reviewed dozens of password managers, both paid and free to find the very best.

Here you have a guide to select the adequate password.

In today’s digital age, ensuring your online accounts are safe and secure is of paramount importance. One of the first lines of defense against unauthorized access to your accounts is a strong, unique password. Whether you’re signing up for a new website, social media platform, or online service, creating a strong password is a fundamental step in safeguarding your digital identity. In this post, we’ll walk you through the essential steps to generate a robust password for webpage registrations.

1. Length Matters:
   • Aim for a password that’s at least 12 characters long. Longer passwords are generally more secure.
2. Use a Mix of Characters:
   • Include a combination of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters (e.g., !, @, #, $, %, etc.). This variety makes your password harder to crack.
3. Avoid Personal Information:
   • Don’t use easily accessible information, such as your name, birthdate, or common words like “password” or “123456.” Hackers can guess these easily.
4. Unique Passwords:
   • Never reuse passwords across multiple websites. Each account should have a distinct password.
5. Passphrases:
   • Consider using a passphrase, which is a combination of random words. For example, “PurpleLaptop$River#42” is a strong passphrase.
6. Password Managers:
   • Use a trusted password manager to generate and store your passwords. These tools can create complex passwords and keep them safe for you.
7. Avoid Dictionary Words:
   • Don’t use complete words found in the dictionary, as attackers can use dictionary attacks to crack your password.
8. Change Passwords Regularly:
   • Periodically change your passwords, especially for critical accounts like email and online banking.
9. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA):
   • Whenever possible, activate 2FA for your accounts. This adds an extra layer of security beyond just a password.
10. Be Wary of Phishing:
    • Beware of phishing scams that attempt to trick you into revealing your password. Always verify the webpage’s legitimacy before entering your password.
11. Test Your Password Strength:
    • Before finalizing your password, consider using online tools to assess its strength. These tools often provide feedback and suggestions.
12. Update Old Passwords:
    • If you’ve been using the same password for a long time, it’s a good idea to update it to something more secure.

Remember, your password is your first line of defense against unauthorized access, so invest time and effort in creating strong, unique passwords for your online accounts. By following these guidelines, you can significantly enhance the security of your personal information and reduce the risk of falling victim to cyberattacks. Stay safe online!