How to create a strong password? Tips for creating a strong password in 2024

Our online accounts, personal information, bank accounts, and cherished memories are safeguarded not by physical keys but by passwords. The effectiveness of these passwords can determine whether our online sanctuaries are secure or vulnerable to malicious actors.

Inadequate passwords are like flimsy locks, easily bypassed by those with harmful intentions. As cyber threats continue to increase, the significance of a strong password cannot be emphasized enough.

What is password security?

Robust passwords serve as a shield that safeguards your personal and financial data from unauthorized access. To ensure you're crafting the most effective password for optimal defense, it's crucial to comprehend the threats present and the vulnerabilities they target.

Common password weaknesses

• Lack of complexity: Passwords that solely use lowercase letters or lack numbers and special characters are less secure than those with a mix of characters.
• Reuse of passwords: Using the same password across multiple platforms can lead to a security compromise if one website is breached.
• Predictability: Passwords such as "password123," "123456," or "abcdef" might be easy to recall, but they're also among the first choices for attackers. Birthdays, names, and common phrases are likewise easily predicted.
• Short length: The shorter the password, the easier it is to crack. Each additional character in a password significantly increases the difficulty for an attacker to guess it.
• Outdated passwords: Neglecting to update or change your passwords regularly can leave your accounts vulnerable to unauthorized access over time.

Tips on creating a strong password

We've learned that merely having a password is insufficient to deter threat actors from accessing your information. Passwords must be robust to thwart determined hackers. Here are some components of a strong password.

Diverse characters

Diversity is crucial. Similar to a well-rounded diet that incorporates various food groups, a strong password should contain a combination of:

• Uppercase letters (A-Z)
• Lowercase letters (a-z)
• Numbers (0-9)
• Special characters (!, $, &, *, etc.)

Length is important

In straightforward terms, a longer password is more effective. Each additional character increases the number of possible combinations, significantly enhancing the difficulty of cracking it. A general guideline is to strive for passwords of at least 12-16 characters.

Preventing predictability

A password that can be easily guessed is ineffective. Avoid using:

• Names (yours, family members, pets, friends)
• Important dates (birthdays, anniversaries)
• Common phrases (e.g., “iloveyou” or “password”)
• So, ask yourself, “How strong is my password?” If it includes any of the above, it's not strong enough.

Embrace unpredictability

Refrain from using patterns such as "abcd" or "1234" or keyboard sequences like "qwerty." These sequences are commonly targeted by attackers. The more random and less like a typical word or phrase your password is, the stronger it will be.

Uniqueness is essential

Avoid reusing passwords across different sites or platforms. Each account should have its own unique password. Consider it akin to keys; you wouldn't use the same key for your house, car, and safety deposit box.

Password attack methods

Phishing

While not a direct assault on password strength, phishing is a deceptive tactic. Attackers deceive individuals into voluntarily surrendering their passwords, often through misleading emails or websites.

Dictionary

Attack In this approach, attackers use a list (or "dictionary") of common passwords and phrases to guess the password. This is why using passwords like "password123" is not recommended.

Rainbow table attack 

Hackers use precomputed tables (known as rainbow tables) to reverse cryptographic hash functions. Using unique "salts" with hashed passwords can mitigate this risk.

Credential stuffing 

In this method, attackers utilize previously leaked combinations of usernames and passwords to access other accounts, exploiting password reuse.

Brute force attack 

In a brute-force attack, hackers attempt every possible combination of characters until they discover the correct password. Longer and more complex passwords make these attacks more time-consuming and less practical.

Remembering strong passwords

Crafting a strong password is just one part of the challenge; the next hurdle is remembering it. If you're not using a password manager, there are a few tricks you can employ to help you recall them.

Mnemonics and memory techniques: Mnemonics are methods that convert information into a format that's easier to remember. For creating strong passwords, consider transforming a phrase into a password. For example, the phrase "Every morning at 7, I eat 2 eggs!" can become "Ema7,Ie2e!." By using the initial letters of words, along with numbers, you create a password that tells a story only you might recognize. Other strong password examples could be a random string of letters, numbers, and special characters like:

• Qr4!7zP1@w9oE2#
• JbT8%rL2^aH6cZ0&
• pA4!cM7@tU3#eV5*

The importance of not sharing passwords: While it may seem obvious, sharing a password, even with someone you trust, is like handing over a key to your house. Over time, you may lose track of who has access, increasing the risk of misuse. Always keep passwords to yourself to ensure they fulfill their primary purpose: safeguarding your information.

Two-factor authentication (2FA): Sometimes, even the strongest password can benefit from an additional layer of security. Two-factor authentication requires a second verification step, typically a code sent to your phone, email, or an authentication app. This means that even if someone cracks your password, they can't access your account without the second verification. It's akin to having a double lock on a door. If your online platforms offer 2FA, it's wise to enable it.

Password management tools

Managing multiple passwords can be challenging, especially if you're creating complex and unique passwords for each account. This is where password management tools come in handy.

Password managers

Password managers are specialized software designed to store and manage your passwords. Here's how they generally operate:

• You establish a strong master password for the manager itself.
• The manager securely stores all other passwords you input, typically encrypted, for an added layer of protection.
• When you need to log into an account, the manager can autofill or provide the password for you.
• Many password managers also offer features such as generating strong passwords for you, alerting you to reused or weak passwords, and notifying you if a password may have been compromised in a breach.

Popular examples of standalone password managers include LastPass, Dashlane, and 1Password.

Browser-based password managers

Modern web browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Safari come with their own built-in password managers.

• They can save passwords and automatically fill them in when you visit websites.
• Browsers may also suggest strong passwords when you're creating new accounts or updating existing ones.
• Stored passwords are often synchronized across devices if you're using the same browser and logged into your account.
• While convenient, browser-based managers may lack the full feature set or the same level of security as dedicated password manager applications.

It's important to note that if someone gains access to your computer or device and it isn't protected, they could potentially access all saved passwords in the browser.

Regular password maintenance

Maintaining the Strength of Your Passwords

Setting a strong password is an important first step, but keeping it strong over time is equally crucial. Think of it like servicing a car: regular checks ensure everything runs smoothly and any potential issues are promptly addressed.

Here's a structured approach to help you maintain password strength:

Regular Password Updates:
Change your passwords regularly. While there's some debate on the ideal frequency, it's generally suggested to update your passwords every three to six months.
Regular updates help mitigate the risk posed by potential data breaches and limit the damage if a password falls into the wrong hands.
Respond to Security Issues:

Change passwords promptly if there's any indication of a security issue, such as a suspicious activity alert or news of a breach involving a service you use.
Stay informed and proactive about security incidents. If you learn of a breach at a company or service where you have an account, don't wait for them to contact you.
Immediately update your password and monitor the account for signs of unauthorized access.
Sometimes, companies might not be aware of a breach until later, so it's better to be safe than sorry.
Avoid Changing Passwords Too Frequently Without Reason:

While regular updates are important, changing passwords too frequently or without good reason can be counterproductive.
Excessive changes might lead to weaker passwords or reliance on patterns if you're trying to remember too many changes.
Prioritize updates based on potential risks and always aim for strong, unique passwords for each update.
Combine Regular Maintenance with Vigilant Monitoring:

Regular password maintenance, along with vigilant monitoring for breaches, keeps your online security robust.
Remember, the security of your online accounts is an ongoing process, and staying proactive is key to keeping your information safe from potential threats.

Maintaining the strength of your passwords

Setting a strong password is an important first step, but keeping it strong over time is equally crucial. Think of it like servicing a car: regular checks ensure everything runs smoothly and any potential issues are promptly addressed.

Here's a structured approach to help you maintain password strength:

Regular password updates

Change your passwords regularly. While there's some debate on the ideal frequency, it's generally suggested to update your passwords every three to six months.
Regular updates help mitigate the risk posed by potential data breaches and limit the damage if a password falls into the wrong hands.

Respond to security issues

Change passwords promptly if there's any indication of a security issue, such as a suspicious activity alert or news of a breach involving a service you use.
Stay informed and proactive about security incidents. If you learn of a breach at a company or service where you have an account, don't wait for them to contact you.
Immediately update your password and monitor the account for signs of unauthorized access.
Sometimes, companies might not be aware of a breach until later, so it's better to be safe than sorry.

Avoid changing passwords too frequently without reason

While regular updates are important, changing passwords too frequently or without good reason can be counterproductive.
Excessive changes might lead to weaker passwords or reliance on patterns if you're trying to remember too many changes.
Prioritize updates based on potential risks and always aim for strong, unique passwords for each update.

Combine regular maintenance with vigilant monitoring:

Regular password maintenance, along with vigilant monitoring for breaches, keeps your online security robust.
Remember, the security of your online accounts is an ongoing process, and staying proactive is key to keeping your information safe from potential threats.

In conclusion, passwords are crucial for protecting our personal and financial information online. The strength of our passwords directly impacts our online security, as weak passwords are akin to easily picked locks for malicious actors. A secure password ensures a safe online experience.