How To Build Strong Passwords

When it comes to creating a strong password, most—if not all—users collectively sigh. This is especially true when the creation process requires uniqueness, such as capital letters and unique characters. Not only is this a frustrating experience in and of itself, but many users also feel stressed by the idea of trying to remember multiple complex passwords.

This is why many people opt to use one identical password. Unfortunately, using identical passwords across sites and applications is risky. If breached, it will compromise your personal data and web information. That is why creating multiple strong, easily memorable passwords is important. 

In this blog, the My Computer Works team further explains why strong passwords are essential and provides the steps to create a strong password that you can trust will keep your sensitive information safe.

Why It Is Important To Protect Yourself With Strong Passwords

Online passwords are needed and created to protect your financial and personal data from cybercriminals. By using a strong password, you actively take preventive measures against unauthorized access to your information and accounts, like your banking log-ins, medical portals, and online shopping accounts.

You may be exposed to data breaches, identity theft, and even financial loss if you do not use a secure password. To ensure this doesn’t happen to you, you need to learn password best practices and utilize them to create a better password for each account so that your online safety is secured.

What Makes A Strong Password? – How To Build Strong Passwords

So you want to create a good password, but how can you make it easy to remember if it can’t be linked to your personal information? 

Knowing how to create a good password isn’t as difficult as you imagine. A strong password must involve a mix of upper and lowercase letters, a specified character count, symbols, and numbers. Below, we discuss some of the ways to create strong passwords. 

Use A Phrase and Incorporate Acronyms Or Shorcut Codes

A phrase, script passage, or movie line you are familiar with could be a base for a strong password. This phrase can be a bible verse, a movie line, or a rhyme, and then adjusted to include numbers, unique characters, and different case letters. Here are some examples for you to look at:

• P$@lM46:1! (Psalm 46:1 – a bible verse reference.)
• F3yre_D@rl1n9 (Feyre Darling- a book line reference)
• M@teR1aL_91RL! (Material Girl – a popular song)
• F1gHt_(LUb (Fight Club – A movie reference)
• K155_Da_9iRL (Kiss Da Girl – a Disney song reference.)

Get Imaginative With Your Keyboard

Creatively speaking, the world is your oyster when it comes to being more creative with your passwords since most keyboards have between 101 and 105 keys on them. Imagine the possibility of creating a strong password with that many keys! Here are ideas to get you started on what is possible:

• Emojis: There are some cases where the types of symbols you can use are limited. However, most websites allow you to use most of them. So why not include an emoticon – a smiley face, for example :-), which will make your password easier to remember.
• Use commonly allowed symbols: You can use many commonly allowed symbols to enhance the strength of your password. For example, try to use: ~`! @#$%^&*()_-+={[}]|\:;”‘<,>.?/.

Tell A Story With Your Password

A good password can also tell a story. You can create a password that tells a unique story that is personalized to you, helping make it far easier to remember while ensuring it is strong. Take a look at some of these examples to get an idea:

• U$$1n9_AmZn! (Using Amazon)
• U$$1n9_B@nk$ (Using Bank)
• ACcTP@zz-1n$ (Account Password for Instagram)
• ACcTP@zz-T1K! (Account Password for TikTok)

How To Store Strong Passwords Safely 

If you are concerned about safety and security, you might want to learn how to store your password safely. The My Computer Works team recommends these tips to keep your strong passwords safe:

• Avoid revealing your password to anyone.
• Never send a password through any form of social media – including emails.
• Use a different strong password for every website. 
• If you can’t remember your passwords, try getting a reliable password manager like LastPass.
• If you write your passwords down, ensure to keep them locked away and hidden.

How To Tell If Your Password Has Been Compromised 

If your password has been compromised, you will often see unusual password reset emails and login alerts even when you are not on the site. Another common sign is being unable to access your account due to a password change. 

Try utilizing tools that check if your information has been involved in a data breach. This will help you see potential compromises before they happen. Often, creating strong passwords reduces the risk of encountering compromised passwords. 

Should You Try A Password Generator?

A password generator is a must if you want a tool that will be able to create strong passwords and avoid making easy-to-guess passwords. This is a valuable tool if you don’t have time or have run out of ideas for unique passwords. Many password generators will also have a password storage vault where you can store all your passwords securely, thus eliminating the need for you to remember them all.

The Wrap-Up On How To Build Strong Passwords

Now you know how to build strong passwords, and yes, it really is as simple as what we have shared. With a unique password, you have created a strong wall of defense that will prevent hackers and cybercriminals from accessing your important and private data.

However, we know that creating strong passwords can still be challenging. So, if you are looking for assistance with creating strong passwords or simply need help using password generators or storage, our technicians at My Computer Works can help. We have experience helping clients create passwords that keep them safe online. Contact us today!