Understand the characteristics of a strong password
An effective password has several essential attributes. Here are the key things to consider when creating a password that is resistant to intrusion attempts:
Recommended minimum length
Computer security specialists recommend passwords of at least 12 to 16 characters. This recommendation comes from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Sufficient length makes the password more difficult to guess or to force through automated methods.
Complexity: mix of characters
A strong password combines different types of characters:
- Uppercase letters
- Lowercase letters
- Figures
- Special symbols
This variety greatly increases the number of possibilities, making the password more resistant to attacks.
Uniqueness: avoid reused passwords
It is essential to use a different password for each account. Unfortunately, a Google study reveals that around 52% of users use the same password on multiple platforms. This practice is risky: if one account is compromised, so does everyone else.
Unpredictability: avoid obvious personal information
Passwords should not contain easily guessed information such as:
- Birth dates
- Pet names
- Phone numbers
According to NordPass, in 2023, simple passwords like”123456“or”Password“were still among the most used. These choices make accounts highly vulnerable to attacks.
By following these principles, you can create passwords that provide better protection against attempts to gain unauthorized access to your online accounts.
Techniques for creating a secure password
Passphrase method
The passphrase method is an effective technique for creating passwords that are both secure and memorable.
Choose a sentence that speaks to you. For example,”Cats love to eat fish!“is easy to remember and already long enough to be secure.
Then transform this sentence by replacing some characters:
- Replace “a” with “@”
- Use numbers instead of some letters
- Add uppercase letters
Your sentence then becomes:”LeSch @tsAdor3ntMangerDuP0iss0n!“
This password is long, complex, but easy for you to remember.
Acronym method
This approach turns an entire sentence into a code that is shorter but still secure.
Start with a sentence that makes sense to you. For example: “I like to drink 2 coffees in the morning”
Then create an acronym by taking the first letter of each word:
“I ab2CLM”
Finally, strengthen security of this acronym:
- Add special characters
- Include numbers
- Vary uppercase and lowercase
The end result could be:”I @b2cLm!“
This method produces a password that is compact but difficult for others to guess.
Use of password generators
Automatic generators offer a quick way to create complex passwords.
Advantages of generators :
- Creating very complex passwords
- Speed of generation
- Eliminating human biases in creation
Points of attention :
Generated passwords are often difficult to remember. It is therefore recommended to use a password manager in addition.
Several tools offer this function:
These applications often combine password generation and management, offering a comprehensive solution for your online security.
Common mistakes to avoid
Using passwords that are too simple or common
Using passwords that are easy to guess remains a major problem. In 2021, simple passwords were involved in 80% of data breaches, according to NordPass.
The most common mistakes include:
- The use of series of numbers (such as”
123456“) - The use of common words (for example”
Password“) - The use of obvious personal information (dates of birth, names of relatives)
Absolutely avoid these practices that make your accounts vulnerable to attacks.
Reusing passwords across multiple accounts
This is a particularly risky habit. 71% of security breaches are linked to the reuse of passwords.
Here's why it's dangerous:
- If one account is compromised, so do all the others.
- This makes it easier for hackers who only need to discover one password.
Use a unique password for each account. A password manager can go a long way in helping you with this task.
Sharing passwords with others
Sharing passwords, even with loved ones, is a practice that should be banned. A Pew Research study reveals that around 15% of users have already shared a password.
The associated risks are numerous:
- Losing control over who has access to your accounts
- Increased chances of an accidental leak
- Difficulty identifying the source of a possible violation
Keeping your passwords to yourself is the best way to protect your information.
Insecure password storage
Around 23% of users store passwords in unprotected files, according to Cybersecurity Ventures. This practice is extremely risky.
Absolutely to avoid:
- Unencrypted text files on your computer
- The paper notes left in evidence
- The recording in the web browsers without additional protection
Prioritize the use of a secure password manager. These tools offer encrypted storage and simplified management of your identifiers.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you significantly increase the security of your online accounts.
Tips for remembering complex passwords
Mnemonic techniques
Mnemonic techniques are valuable allies in remembering complex passwords. They transform information that is difficult to remember into things that are easier to remember.
An effective method consists of creating a sentence from the first letters of an expression that you know well. For example:
“I eat 2 apples every morning” becomes”Jm2pcm!“
This approach allows you to generate unique and secure passwords, while keeping them in memory easily.
Using custom schemas
Creating a personal pattern for your passwords can make it much easier to remember them. The idea is to keep a basic structure while varying certain elements depending on the site or application.
Here is an example of a schema:
- A fixed base that you can easily remember
- A variable element linked to website
- A symbol and a number
So, for a site like Amazon, your password could be:”fixed base_AMZ$7“
This method makes it possible to create unique passwords. while maintaining a logic that is easy to remember.
Importance of regular practice
Memorizing passwords gets better with practice. The more you use your passwords, the more they stick in your memory.
A few tips to reinforce this practice:
- Avoid the “stay connected” option on your devices
- Manually enter your passwords regularly
- Test yourself occasionally by trying to remember your passwords
However, remember that using a password manager is still the most secure and practical solution for managing numerous accounts.
Conclusion
Strong passwords are key to the security of your online accounts. Create long, complex, and unique passwords for each account. Use password managers to make it easier to manage them.
Stay alert: update your passwords regularly and keep an eye out for data breach notifications. Respond quickly if an account is compromised.
Start now: assess your current passwords, replace the weak ones, and enable two-factor authentication when possible. These simple actions greatly increase your online security.
By applying these practices, you effectively protect your personal and business information in the digital environment. Online security is an ongoing effort, but the benefits are well worth the effort.
