What Is a Strong Password?
While most passwords are combinations of numbers, letters, and symbols, a passphrase comprises randomly combined words.
For example:
Passphrases are both easier to remember and more challenging to guess than standard passwords.
@MIRAHNEVA via Twenty20
To defend against dictionary attacks, you should use at least five words, which should be truly random.
You don’t want the phrase to sound like a sentence.
For an assortment of random letters and numbers, useNorton Password Generatoror theAvast Random Password Generator.
Avast’s password generator.
If you have trouble remembering passphrases, another strategy is to create an acronym out of a sentence.
Each account should have its own unique, complex password.
Fortunately, you don’t have to remember them all individually.
1Password password manager.
If you have multiple online accounts, you should use apassword managerto keep track of your login credentials.
That way, you could get in to any account by entering the primary password for a password manager.
Some of thebest password managersalso come with built-in password generators.
If you want to know how strong your password is, use a password checker likePassword Strength Meter.
In addition to passwords, most operating systems support some form ofbiometricverification.
For example,Windows Hellouses facial recognition technology, andApple Touch IDuses a fingerprint scanner to authenticate the owner.
Why Are Strong Passwords Important?
Passwords safeguard your online accounts.
More importantly, they protect you against hackers who want to steal your personal information.
They can even use this information to reset your online account passwords.
Hackers often sell stolen passwords on the black market for nefarious purposes.
Your usernames and passwords could be compromised through no fault of your own.
Run your email address throughAvast Hack Checkto see if your privacy has been compromised.
If so, you should change the passwords for all accounts associated with that email.
