What Makes a Strong Password?
Cybersecurity breaches are on the rise, and passwords are the first line of defense.
According to Verizon’s Data Breach Investigations Report, over 80% of breaches involve weak or stolen passwords.
A strong password isn’t just “long.” It also needs to be complex and unique.
Here’s what to look for:
- ✅ At least 12–16 characters long
- ✅ Includes uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols
- ✅ Avoids dictionary words, names, and personal info
- ✅ Completely unique for every account
Trying to make up strong, unique passwords on your own usually leads to shortcuts — like repeating a base word or making slight variations.
Example of weak password:
Summer2024
As you can see, the password above is very weak.
Hackers know this and can guess them easily, especially if they have any information about you and the previous password you have used -> and I promise you that information is already readily available.
A password generator solves this by:
- Creating truly random combinations.
- Giving you control over length and character types.
- Ensuring each password is one-of-a-kind.
Example of strong password from a password generator:
n!7L$8tZ@rQw1%
So that is why its best to use a password generator tool (like ours above or others) to instantly create secure passwords you’ll never have to worry about.
How to Store & Manage Passwords Safely
Of course, even the strongest password is useless if you can’t remember it.
For each account, I generate a unique password using the generator above, and then I store it using a password manager.
Here are several that we recommend:
But even on top of password managers, you will want to add additional layers of protection, and for any account that allows it, you should Turn on Two-Factor Authentication (2FA).
Why You Should Use Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Even the strongest password isn’t foolproof.
Hackers are constantly developing new ways to crack, steal, or trick you into revealing login details.
That’s where Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) comes in.
2FA adds an extra layer of protection to your accounts by requiring a second step after you enter your password. This second factor usually falls into one of three categories:
- Something you have – like a code sent to your phone, an authenticator app, or a hardware security key.
- Something you are – such as a fingerprint, face scan, or other biometric verification.
- Something you know – in some cases, an additional PIN or security question.
With 2FA enabled, even if a hacker manages to guess or steal your password, they still can’t access your account without the second factor.
You should enable 2FA on any account that contains sensitive information or financial data, especially:
- Email accounts (Gmail, Outlook, etc.)
- Online banking and financial services
- Social media accounts
- Cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox, iCloud)
- Shopping accounts (Amazon, eBay, etc.)
Bottom line: A strong password is your first line of defense, but 2FA is the lock on the door that keeps hackers out, even if they find the key.
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