How to create, remember and secure a strong password

From email and banking to social media and mobile apps, most people have a long list of passwords. While it can be annoying to keep track of so many accounts, it can have serious consequences if a cybercriminal gains access to your email, financial information, Social Security number or even your health records. Passwords are the most common means of authentication on the Internet, so it's important to use strong passwords and keep them confidential.

What makes a password secure?

The main aspects of a strong password are length (the longer the better), a mixture of letters (upper and lower case), numbers and symbols, no connection to your personal data and no words from the dictionary. The good news is that you don't have to remember an awful lot of random letters, numbers and symbols to include all these aspects in your passwords. All you need is a few tricks.

Add diversity

Use numbers, symbols, upper and lower case letters: The more letters, numbers and symbols you mix, the stronger your password becomes and the harder it is to crack for a brute force attack.

Add emoticons: While some websites restrict the type of symbols you can use, most allow you to choose from a wide variety. Make your symbols memorable by turning them into smileys to instantly increase the strength of your password.

Make it unique: Do not use personal information: make sure that your passwords do not contain personal information that is publicly available, such as your date of birth, your pet's name, your car model, your phone number, or your street name and address.

Do not use words from the dictionary: Any word on its own is bad. Any combination of a few words, especially if they go together grammatically, isn't great either. For example, "mouse" is a terrible password. "little brown mouse" is also very bad.

Avoid frequent replacement: Password crackers know the usual substitutions. "M0use" is not strong just because the "o" has been replaced by a "0".

Do not use it more than once: If you have different passwords, it is more difficult for a cybercriminal to compromise your accounts. If someone has captured your passwords, you can be sure that your other accounts are safe. Using a password manager will help you generate new, unique passwords for every website you visit.

Use a bizarre passphrase with symbols and numbers

The creation of a unusual passphrase from words that don't normally go together is a good way to build the foundation for a long strong password. Some websites even allow spaces. Add symbols and numbers to make your password even more secure.

Example: 16 cats deliver dog sandwiches to Paris

Example: 16-cats deliver dog5andwiches2Paris!

Use a sentence and include abbreviations or acronyms

Use phrases that mean something to you and shorten them with abbreviations. Or use the first digit of each word to form an acronym, and add digits and symbols as you go.

Akronym example: I go bowling every Saturday night with 5 friends becomes 1gjeSam5f:)

Two factor authentication

Use two-factor authentication: The Two-factor authentication provides an additional layer of security for your information. With this technology, you can specify multiple pieces of information in any combination for authentication:
Something you know - Your password
Something you have - One-time password or generated key
Something you are - Fingerprint, voice or iris

Use a password manager

Save your Passwords not online: If you lose your laptop or it is stolen, the perpetrator will have easy access to your accounts. Instead, use a Password Managerto save your passwords.

Password managers are the ultimate solution to create and store passwords for multiple websites. Password managers can create strong, unique passwords for Each of your accounts generate and store. The password data is then stored encrypted in the cloud or on your device, so you don't have to remember it.

The only thing you need to remember is your Login data for the password manager.

Now you can create your own strong, long, memorable mixed-character passwords using one or more of these tricks.

Now share the tips with others, but do not share your passwords!

If you are not sure how to create a strong password and need help, please contact our Support Team. We will be happy to help you.