Strong passwords: how to create and store them
Short, reused passwords are cracked in minutes. Simple rules that protect your email, bank and social accounts.
Most account takeovers are not the work of clever hackers but of weak or reused passwords. A few simple rules cut the risk dramatically.
What makes a password strong
- Length. Every extra character makes guessing many times harder. Use 14–16 characters or more for important accounts.
- Mixed characters. Lowercase and uppercase letters, digits and symbols.
- Randomness. No names, birthdays or dictionary words.
One account, one password
If the same password protects your email and a forum, a forum leak opens your email. Use a different password everywhere.
Where to keep them
Nobody can remember dozens of random passwords, and you do not have to. Use a password manager: it stores passwords encrypted and fills them in for you. You only remember one master password.
Turn on two-step verification
Even if a password is stolen, nobody can sign in without the code from your app or SMS.
Make one now
Open the Password Generator, choose length 16 and all character sets. The password is created in your browser and never sent anywhere.
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