What Makes a Secure Password
Remember to change your passwords regularly.
When forced to change a password, do not reuse an old password.
Password Length
A password length of eight (8) characters are no longer considered secure and is deemed the absolute minimum requirement. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) now recommends a minimum length of sixteen (16) characters for secure passwords.
Password Complexity
Length is a significant factor, but complexity also plays a vital role in password strength. A complex password should include a mix of: Uppercase & lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. This diversity makes it significantly more difficult for attackers to guess or brute-force a password.
Unique Passwords
It is essential to use unique passwords for each of your accounts. Reusing passwords across multiple accounts increases the risk of a security breach. If one account is compromised, the attacker can potentially access all your accounts with the same password. Employing unique passwords for each account helps mitigate this risk.
Unpredictability & Passphrases
To further enhance password security, avoid using easily guessable information such as birthdays, common words, or sequential patterns (e.g., “1234” or “password”). Instead, consider using passphrases – combinations of random words that are easy to remember but hard to guess (e.g., “SunshineElephantBicycle27!”). Passphrases can be both secure and user-friendly, striking a balance between complexity and memorability.