The short answer is yes.
You might wonder, why is having a strong password so important?
Majority of websites are secure, however there is always a good chance that someone could attempt to access or steal your information on a less secure website.
This is often known as hacking. A strong password is one of the most effective defenses to safeguard your accounts and private data from hackers.
Don’t Write Your Passwords Down
Writing your passwords on paper might seem convenient, but it poses a security risk if someone finds them. Instead, consider using a password manager, which stores all your passwords securely online. These tools can also automatically enter your passwords for different websites, allowing you to create longer, more secure passwords without having to remember each one.
Common Password Mistakes
Many people make the mistake of using simple passwords based on family names, hobbies, or easy-to-guess patterns. While these are convenient, they are far less secure. Let’s take a look at some common password mistakes and how to fix them.
Example 1: karen120688bob1
- Problem: This password uses children’s names and ages, which are personal and easy to guess, making it less secure.
- Solution: Strengthen the password by using special characters, uppercase letters, and more random characters. Instead of personal details, consider using a PassPhrase or a memory you can recall – such as: PerfectPizzaItaly1998!
Example 2: 21Gar
- Problem: This password is too short at only five characters and includes part of an address, which is publicly available.
- Solution: Make it longer—preferably more than 10 characters—and use a random few words together such as PurplePeopleEater44 (<– this is known as a passphrase)
Example 3: 1234abc4321
- Problem: While easy to remember, patterns like this are the first things hackers try.
- Solution: Random passwords are much stronger. If you’re struggling to come up with one, use a password generator, which might create something like 3f34!Ig&445qf.
Example 4: D0ntHackM3!
- Problem: Though this password is strong, using it for multiple accounts is risky.
- Solution: Create unique passwords for each of your accounts to keep your information safe.
Passphrases: An Alternative to Traditional Passwords
A passphrase is a sequence of words or a sentence that you use as your password. Unlike traditional passwords, which are often short and complex, passphrases are longer but easier to remember. They can be as simple as a random sentence or a string of unrelated words, making them both secure and user-friendly.
For example, instead of using a short password like “P@ssw0rd!”, you could use a passphrase like “PurpleMountainRunsFast”. This phrase is much longer, making it harder for hackers to crack, but it’s also easy for you to remember.
Passphrases are generally more secure because their length increases the number of possible combinations, making it more difficult for attackers to guess. Just make sure your passphrase is unique, avoids common phrases, and includes a mix of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, or symbols to maximize security. Passphrases offer a great balance between ease of use and protection, especially when you need something you can remember without writing it down.
Tips for Creating Strong Passwords
Creating a strong password doesn’t have to be hard, but it does take some thought. Here are a few essential tips:
- Avoid using personal information like your name, birthday, or email address, as these are often publicly available.
- Make your password longer. At least six characters are recommended, but more is better.
- Use a different password for each account so that if one is compromised, your other accounts remain secure.
- Mix it up! Use numbers, symbols, and both uppercase and lowercase letters.
- Avoid dictionary words like “swimming1,” which are easy to guess.
- If you’re struggling to think of a random password, try using a password generator for added security.
Need Help?
Need assistance creating a secure password or setting up a password manager? Give us a call!
