1. Go Long and Complex
The longer and more complicated your password, the harder it is to crack. Aim for at least 12 characters (but more is always better).
What to include:
- Uppercase letters (A–Z)
- Lowercase letters (a–z)
- Numbers (0–9)
- Special characters (!, @, #, $, %, etc.)
Example:
T!m3T0_R3b00t$2024!
2. Avoid the Obvious
Steer clear of:
- Real words or phrases (e.g., “password,” “admin,” “letmein”)
- Personal information (your name, birthdate, pet’s name)
- Common patterns (123456, qwerty, abc123)
3. Use Passphrases
A passphrase is a string of random words or a nonsensical sentence that’s easy for you to remember but hard for others (and bots) to guess.
Example:
Purple!Sandwich$Rocket7_Moon
4. Make Every Password Unique
Never reuse passwords between your hosting account, CMS, email, or any other services. If one gets compromised, you don’t want them all to fall like dominoes.
5. Use a Password Manager
Remembering dozens of strong, unique passwords is nearly impossible for most humans. A password manager (like LastPass, 1Password, or Bitwarden) securely stores them for you and can generate ultra-strong passwords whenever you need one.
6. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Whenever possible, turn on 2FA for your hosting and CMS logins. This adds a second layer of security by requiring a code from your phone (or another device) in addition to your password.
Quick Checklist for Strong Passwords
- At least 12 characters long
- Mix of upper/lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols
- Not based on personal info or real words
- Unique for each account
- Stored in a password manager
- 2FA enabled if available
In summary:
A strong password is like a sturdy lock on your digital front door. Take a few extra moments to create—and protect—it well, and you’ll save yourself a world of trouble down the line.
