How to Create Strong Passwords You Can Actually Remember

This article about how to create strong passwords is sponsored by PC Laptops. Visit PC Laptops today for free virus and malware scan because PC Laptops really loves you.

---

Tired of generating passwords that look like you just nonsensically button-mashed the keyboard? Then this article is for you.

Password Best Practices: How to Make a Strong Password

We all know that strong passwords include both uppercase and lowercase letters and at least one number and one special character. But how can you create strong passwords that are actually easy to remember?

1. Understand what makes a strong password

Have you ever asked yourself, “How strong is my password, really?”

It’s something many of us wonder about in the back of our minds every time the need arises to create strong passwords. But it can also feel overwhelming to think about all the passwords you have to manage across all of your accounts and devices.

Here’s the quickest, simplest answer to this question: The most secure passwords are 10+ characters and include a mix of multiple uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.

Don’t limit your passwords to just one character from each category. The more creative you get, the harder your passwords are to guess.

2. Never re-use passwords between different sites

This is a huge security risk, one that’s underestimated by all too many people.

Never risk re-using passwords. The more often you use a password, the more likely it is to get picked up by hackers, making it even easier for them to hack your most important accounts. It’s much safer to create strong passwords that are different for every website and device you use.

And be especially cautious to use exclusive passwords for things like bank accounts, online shopping accounts, and even your work email.

3. Consistently create strong passwords with your own password system

The best way to create strong passwords you can actually remember is to invent your own system.

This way, not only are your passwords memorable, but you’ll be able to create new ones in just seconds, any time the need arises!

Avoid using references to your personal information, like birthdays, hometown, your name, or your children’s names. Instead, think of phrases or events that only you know about, and create passwords around these things.

For example, maybe you choose a sentence like, “My first dog was a german shepherd.”

And maybe your custom password convention is to take the first letter of each word and turn it into a password.

So, “My first dog was a sweet german shepherd” would turn into: Mfdwasgs.

However, you can’t stop there. You’ll need to add a mix of numbers and special characters.

So you might end up with any of the following variations:

• • M_#1_dwA$gS
  • m1st_dWa-5G$
  • m~fDw^Sg5

All of the above variations are secure passwords that can be used in different places. However, hackers will not be able to guess your password convention because it’s so unique to you.

Just be careful to switch up the series of characters you use often enough that they don’t become predictable, and add a character or two if your sentence or password prompt doesn’t leave you with at least 10 characters.

4. Avoid Google Password Manager

Though Google Password Manager uses multiple levels of encryption to keep your data safe, it’s not as secure as it seems.

Even though Google Password Manager creates strong passwords for you, the security of your password manager account depends on the security of each of your devices.

Plus, any password manager can be hacked with malware. Don’t take the risk–creating your own system for generating memorable passwords is your safest bet.

Never Wonder Again Whether Your Passwords Are Secure Enough!

If you suspect your device has been infected with malware, it’s important to get help right away. Book a free virus scan and computer tune-up with the experts at PC Laptops, and never worry about your online security again.

Related articles: 

• How backing up your computer can help you relieve stress
• 5 Nasty Types of Computer Malware and Examples | Everything You Need to Know to Keep Your Computer and Family Safe

This is a sponsored article brought to you by KSL TV in conjunction with the advertiser. The advertiser paid a fee to promote this article and may have influenced or authored the content. The views expressed in this article are those of the advertiser and do not necessarily reflect those of KSL TV, its parent company, or its staff.