In today's digital world, strong passwords are essential for online security. Bad passwords leave us vulnerable to hackers, identity theft, and other online threats, so it's imperative that we construct them carefully.
Length and complexity: A password should be a minimum of 12 characters long, ideally 16 or more. The longer the password, the harder it is to crack. In addition, use a combination of upper and lower case letters, numbers and symbols. Avoid passwords that can be easily guessed, such as your name, date of birth, or your pet's name.
Uniqueness: Never use the same password for multiple websites. If one password is compromised, hackers will have access to all of your accounts. Instead, create a unique password for each website or app.
Memorization: Remembering tons of unique passwords can be a challenge. That's why you can use a password manager. It's a secure app that stores all your passwords in one place.
Change your password: Change your passwords regularly, at least once a year. Also change them if you suspect they have been compromised, for example if you've noticed suspicious activity on your accounts.
Additional measures:
- Use two-factor authentication (2FA) when possible. 2FA adds an extra layer of security to your accounts. This means that in addition to your password, you will need another means of authentication, such as a code from an SMS message, to access your account.
- Be careful with websites and apps that ask for your passwords. Never give your password to a website or app that looks suspicious.
- Beware of phishing attacks. Phishing attacks are hackers' attempts to trick you into revealing your passwords. They often come in the form of emails or messages that appear to come from a legitimate company.
Examples of good and bad passwords:
Good password:
- Minimum 12 characters long
- It contains a combination of upper and lower case letters, numbers and symbols
- Unique for each website
- Hard to guess, eg "7*H@43#k$L2?"
Bad password:
- Short and simple, eg "123456"
- Contains only letters, eg "firstname"
- Easy to guess, eg "date of birth"
- Used for multiple websites
