Today’s digital world, creating and managing strong passwords could be the difference between a secure network and a free-for-all for cybercriminals. Everyone must make strong passwords to protect their sensitive and confidential information.
Conversely, weak passwords open the gateway for cybercriminals. This can lead to identity thefts, violation of privacy, and monetary losses.
Also Read: How to Compose a Solid Security Policy for Your Firm
Learn how to make strong passwords to effectively protect your data.
This blog holds the key points that can help you develop strong passwords.
How to Make Strong Passwords
The 5 protective points mentioned below are the key to creating a strong password. Each point must be incorporated for the password to be effective in preventing cyberattacks.
Protective Point #1: Give the Password Some Length
A strong password must contain at least 12 characters in total. The longer the password, the more challenging it is for attackers to crack it, at least using brute force methods.
Protective Point #2: Complexity is Key to Preventing Attacks
Keep the password complex. Do this by using a variety of different characters. The ideal character limit is 12. This can consist of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.
For example, use @ instead of a. Or the number zero instead of O. The more complex a password is, the longer it takes to be cracked.
Protective Point #3: Steer Clear of Common Words or Patterns
‘12345’ is one of the most commonly used passwords. It is also extremely easy to guess and crack. Avoiding such guessable passwords is the key to protecting information.
Beyond this, attackers also try pattern-based passwords, such as names or birthdays. Both should be avoided while trying to make strong passwords.
Protective Point #4: Try Passphrases for Ease and Complexity
Complex passwords are difficult to remember, especially when you have to create many. Instead, using a memorable passphrase as a password helps maintain complexity with ease.
For example, BlueH0tAirB@ll00n2$ is a good password that is simple enough to remember.
Protective Point #5: Create Unique Passwords
Finally, it is important to NEVER RE-USE PASSWORDS. Creating solid passwords is challenging as it is but doing it for multiple sites is draining. Nonetheless, passwords should be unique for all uses.
If the password of one account is compromised, then all accounts are automatically at risk.
Closing Thoughts
The digital landscape demands everyone to make strong passwords. The 5 protective points mentioned above hold the key to creating passwords that enhance security and protect sensitive information.