Essential Tips for Creating Stronger Passwords 2023

    password manager
    iStock
    Last Updated on May 5, 2023

    Your passwords are your first line of defense against hackers, so making sure they’re as strong as possible is essential. Read on for 10 useful tips and practices for creating stronger passwords and avoiding weak ones.

    Why Stronger Passwords Matter?

    One common mistake people make is they use the same password for all their accounts. A Google survey found that at least 65% of people reuse passwords across multiple, if not all, sites! What this means is that if the password for one of their accounts is leaked, their other accounts would be light work for hackers.

    Interestingly, another survey found that although 91% of its respondents understand the risks of reusing passwords across multiple accounts, 59% still admitted to doing it anyway. And according to the Verizon Data Leak Investigations Report, unsurprisingly, compromised passwords are responsible for 81% of hacking-related leaks.

    Why stronger passwords matter?

    10 tips and tricks for creating strong passwords (and avoiding weak ones)

    1. DO NOT USE letters and numbers in sequence (e.g. qwerty, abcde, 12345, asdf). They are simply far too common and easily guessable.
    2. NEVER use your birthdate as your password. It’s easy to remember, but it also makes a hacker’s job much easier, especially if such information is available online.
    3. COMBINE letters, numbers, and symbols (ex: $, %, !) to form a password of at least eight characters. Having seemingly random combinations of each will make your password tougher to crack, too.
    4. REFRAIN from using your name as your password. Some websites can even detect this to prevent people from doing it.
    5. DON’T create a password that includes any of your personal information because cyber thieves can find these details online. Additionally, steer clear from using your family members’ names and birthdays, pet names, etc. For tips on removing your info from the web, click here.
    6. AVOID using overly common passwords, such as P@$$w0rd, password, 1234567890, ioveyou, etc.
    7. STOP reusing passwords. Every new password you create should be unique.
    8. STRONG passwords can be long passphrases where you combine multiple words into a long string of characters (ex: correcthorsebatterystaple, randommousebottlepickle). But don’t forget to add some numbers and symbols, too!
    9. REFRAIN from changing just one character whenever you update your password (ex: MyG@laxyPassw0rd01, MyG@laxyPassw0rd02, MyG@laxyPassw0rd03).
    10. USE a Password Generator and Password Manager. Do not write passwords in notepads or on sticky notes!

    Use our free online Password Generator to create strong, tough-to-hack passwords.

    Use Password Generator to create strong passwords

    Also, consider using Trend Micro™ Password Manager. It can help you manage all your passwords in one secure location, ensuring an easy and safe online experience, as well as a more convenient, faster, and secure way to access websites. It also includes these awesome features:

    • Password Generator for automatically generating complex, tough-to-hack passwords and storing them securely so you don’t need to remember them.
    • Password Doctor to check for weak or duplicate passwords.
    • In-the-cloud Synchronization across multiple devices and operating systems lets you change and manage your passwords from any location, on any device.
    • App and web browser support for PC, Mac, Android, and iOS.

    Click on the button below to give it a try:

    If you’ve found this article an interesting and/or helpful read, please SHARE it with friends and family to help keep the online community secure and protected. Also, please consider leaving a comment or LIKE below.  

    Post a comment

    Your email address won't be shown publicly.

    0 Comments