If you are like many users, you visit many different sites and have a plethora of passwords between those sites. The idea of creating a strong password consisting of letters, numbers, special characters, symbols, etc., can be quite daunting. Not to mention it is recommended that you have a different password for each site your register an account on. With all of this considered, it is no wonder many become overwhelmed when trying to think of a secure password. I mean, who can remember “J%^dh@udS!@#$”?

Because of this, you may have fallen victim to using the same password for most, if not all, of the websites you hold an account on. This is not only a safety hazard, it also spells disasters if one of these websites gets compromised. Or perhaps you use numerous passwords, but they consist of simple words and numbers that relate to your life. These kinds of passwords are easier to guess than you can imagine. Maybe you do have long, complicated passwords, but in an attempt to remember them you have written them down and placed them next to your computers. This is dangerous as well, especially if other use your computer as well! However, with this guide, we hope to guide you down the right path to making safe, secure, and easy to remember passwords!

First, to understand what a strong password is, we must understand what makes a password strong. The key features of a strong password are its length, a variety of letters (using both upper and lower case), symbols, and numbers. Make sure you leave all personal information out of your password. However, what is the use of a complicated strong password, if you cannot remember it? Not to worry, we will arm you with advanced password creating techniques that will not only keep your online identity secure!

Your first strategy in creating a strong password is to make it easy to remember but hard to guess. Avoid the pitfalls of making your password “password”.  This password is laughably weak. A password this simple is easily guessed by both humans and machines and will leave your online identity in shambles. Some of you may be asking, “Who on Earth is using “password” as a password?”. Well you would be surprised to know that it is one of the most commonly used passwords to date. There are also the passwords that use a persons last name and birth date. These kinds of passwords are also easy to crack by those who are close to you. I know your neighbor Bill seems like a nice guy, but maybe he’s too nice. However, perhaps you have been trying to make a strong password and have created “P0W3Rful”. First you must be aware of the length. Length of this password is far to short and the substitutions you have made are easily guessed by both human and machine as well.

Now that we are aware of the numerous pitfalls, we can begin to discuss how to create a strong password! Here are a few examples of good passwords:

• G00D_2H4v3_$$: You could use this one for a bank account (Good to have money).
• 4sh00Ping_0NAMZ: This could be used for your Amazon account (4 shopping on amazon).

Having now thought of a password that is perfect in length and randomness, you have begun your march down the correct path to internet safety.  However, you are not safe yet. You must remember to not reuse the password, write them down anywhere, or share them. After spending all that time thinking of a good password, last thing you want is for someone to crack it by seeing it written down next to your computer. Or if you are to get hacked, at least you can rest easy knowing your other accounts are still locked away because you used a different password for each site! The last rule is extremely important but can also be given some slack. If you are to share your password, make sure that you only do so with someone you trust 100%. If you have even a shred of doubt that they do not take internet security as seriously as you, do not share your password with them.  Another option for those who have too many accounts, or are too nervous to create their own passwords, is to use a password manager! Password managers like LastPass can generate completely random passwords up too 100 characters in length. All you must do is think of a super secure master password and you are ready to go!

Now that you have been armed with the tools to create smarter, safer passwords, go forth and secure your defenses! If you have any questions about cyber security or want a partner that will take your businesses cyber security seriously, consider Hammett Technologies! At Hammett Technologies we put your online security as a top priority. Be with a team you can trust, become a Hammett Technologies Partner today!