Key Takeaways
- Length beats Complexity. A 15-character phrase is stronger than `P@ssw0rd1`.
- NEVER reuse passwords. This is the #1 cause of hacks.
- Use a Password Manager (Bitwarden, 1Password) to generate random keys.
- Enable 2FA on every account that supports it.
Passwords are the keys to your digital kingdom. Most people leave their keys under the doormat. It's time to change the locks.
The Rules of Strength
A strong password must meet three criteria:
- Long: Length is exponential. Adding just one character increases the cracking time by factor of roughly 90. Aim for 15+ characters.
- Unique: If you use the same password for banking and a random forum, when the forum gets hacked, your bank is vulnerable.
- Random: Humans are bad at randomness.
CorrectHorseBatteryStapleis easy to remember, but random characters likeX8#mK92$LqPpzare mathematically superior against dictionary attacks.
Use a Password Manager
You cannot possibly remember 50 unique, complex passwords. The solution is a Password Manager. You only need to remember ONE strong "Master Password", and the manager generates, saves, and auto-fills secure, random passwords for every other site.
Did you know?
A modern GPU can crack a simple 8-character password in minutes. A 12-character password takes centuries. Length is your best defense.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How often should I change my password?
Only when necessary. The old advice was "every 90 days", but experts now say this leads to weaker passwords (like P@ssword1, P@ssword2). Change it only if you suspect a breach.
Is it safe to save passwords in Chrome/Google?
It is okay for convenience, but dedicated managers (like Bitwarden) are generally more secure and cross-platform (working on iPhone, Android, and Firefox, not just Chrome).
Are your credentials safe?
Check Breach Status