How to Create the Perfect Password

Cyber threats are increasingly sophisticated, so creating strong passwords is your first line of defence. Weak passwords are one of the easiest ways for hackers to gain access to your accounts and yet, many people still rely on “123456” or “password” as their go-to options. Let’s change that.

Here’s how to create the perfect password; one that’s secure, memorable and built to protect your digital life.

1. Make it long and complex

Length equals strength. A good password should be at least 12 characters long, with a mix of:

• Uppercase and lowercase letters
  
  
• Numbers
  
  
• Symbols and special characters
  Example: J8r#s2L!zM@eW9x

Avoid using predictable substitutions like “Pa$$w0rd”. Cybercriminals are well aware of these tricks.

2. Don’t use personal information

Names, birthdays, pets or favourite bands are easy to guess, especially with the amount of personal information shared online. Keep your password random and unrelated to your identity.

Bad example:
Luna2021 (if your cat’s name is Luna and you got her in 2021)

Good example:
G7#vPx!3qR&D9aL

3. Use passphrases for memorability

Strong passwords don’t have to be impossible to remember. One effective method is to use a passphrase: a sequence of random but memorable words, mixed with symbols and numbers.

Example:
Purple$Train3!Cactus&Dream

It’s both complex and easier to remember than a random string of characters.

4. Avoid reusing passwords

Using the same password across multiple accounts is like using the same key for your house, car and office. If one gets compromised, they all do.

Use unique passwords for each account, especially for emails, banking and social media platforms.

5. Use a password manager

Managing multiple strong passwords can be a headache, unless you use a password manager. These tools generate and store complex passwords for you in an encrypted vault, so you only need to remember one master password.

Popular password managers include:

• LastPass
  
  
• 1Password
  
  
• Bitwarden
  
  
• Dashlane

6. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Even a perfect password can be compromised. 2FA adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second method of verification, such as a text message code or authenticator app.

Always enable 2FA on critical accounts like email, banking, and cloud storage.

Conclusion

By following these tips and using a reliable password manager, you can significantly reduce your vulnerability to cyberattacks.

Related read: Security Tips From Google for Staying Safe Online