Password tricks – How to create strong, memorable passwords
Passwords like “12345,” “password,” and “qwerty” are among the most common and least secure. Cybercriminals can crack these in seconds, potentially exposing your personal and financial information. Creating strong, unique passwords for each of your online accounts is essential for protecting yourself against cyberthreats.
But let’s face it—complex passwords can be hard to remember. The good news? There are easy ways to make them both strong and memorable.
Why strong passwords matter
Weak passwords are easy targets for hackers, who use automated tools to guess passwords at lightning speed. If a hacker gains access to one of your accounts, they might also try the same password on other accounts—especially if you reuse them. A strong password can:
- Help prevent identity theft by making it harder for hackers to access your sensitive data.
- Protect against financial fraud by securing your banking and payment accounts.
- Reduce the risk of account takeovers, keeping your email and social media safe from cybercriminals.
Creating strong and memorable passwords
Here are some simple ways to create secure passwords that you can actually remember:
1. ALongButMemorableCombination
Is it long? Yes. But is it something you will remember? Yes. And this one might just make you smile when you use it. Use upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols to create a phrase that’s pulled from a happy memory; something you know you can’t forget. Your honeymoon becomes “SantoriniCruise2017Honeymoon!” or the weekend getaway you’re looking forward to becomes “NapaWineryTour2024Cali4nia.” Complex enough to not be guessed, even if that information is floating around on social media.
2. Adi0sBadActors
Put those foreign language skills to good use, and mix different languages and characters into your password. “Bonjour” can become “B0nj0ur!” and “Ciao Bella” can become “C!@0 B3lla.” The possibilities are endless, which makes it even more difficult for cybercriminals to figure out.
3. TheUnlikelyPair!
Think of two of your favourite things that have nothing to do with each other, and pair those up to be a weird but highly unguessable password. You love motorcycles and puzzles? Voila! Your password could be as simple as M0torcyclePuzzle$. Combining some of your favourite things that aren’t commonly linked adds complexity to passwords you may have already been using.
Bonus Tip: Use a password manager
Even with the best strategies, managing multiple strong passwords can be overwhelming. A password manager securely stores your passwords, so you only need to remember one master password. Our Norton Benefit Plans include Norton Password Manager, which can:
- Generate and store complex passwords for you.
- Autofill login credentials to save time.
- Offer two-factor authentication for added security.
Learn more about creating strong passwords by visiting uk.Norton.com.
Norton Benefit Solutions offers a digital wellness benefit that helps empower employees with protection for their identity, devices, and online privacy