Does creating a new password fill you with dread, making you default to something like ‘Password123’? While it’s tempting to use something simple, understanding what to avoid when creating a password is your first step towards building a secure digital identity. A weak password is like leaving your front door unlocked.
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Most password-related security breaches happen not because of sophisticated hacking, but because users choose simple, predictable passwords. By following a few simple rules, you can create passwords that are significantly harder for anyone to guess or crack.
🚫 The Obvious Mistakes to Steer Clear Of
First and foremost, never use personal information that is easy to find. This includes your date of birth, your partner’s or children’s names, your pet’s name, or the town you grew up in. Hackers can easily find this information on your social media profiles. Equally important, never use the same password for multiple sites. If one site gets breached, criminals will use that same password to try to access all your other accounts, including your email and online banking. Lastly, avoid common dictionary words and simple number sequences like ‘123456’ or ‘qwerty’. These are the very first things a hacker will try.
✅ The Hallmarks of a Truly Strong Password
A strong password has three key ingredients: length, complexity, and uniqueness. Aim for a password that is at least 12-16 characters long. The longer it is, the harder it is to crack. To add complexity, always use a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols (like !, @, #, $). A great technique is to create a passphrase—a short, memorable sentence—and then substitute some letters with numbers and symbols. For example, ‘My dog’s name is Sparky!’ could become ‘Myd0g$n@meIsSp@rky!’. This is both long and complex, yet easier for you to remember than a random string of characters.
Papercut Limited. Online Security For Beginners – 22nd Edition. 2025.
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