What is a strong password and why do we need it? (2023)

What is a strong password and why do we need it? (1)

If you use any computing device, passwords are something you need every day. From laptops to desktops, tablets to smartphones, everyone uses passwords. This is for good reason, as passwords are the number one way to protect computer hardware from cybercriminals, hackers, and malware. Since we all have so many accounts online, the need for strong passwords has grown.

That's why it's extremely important to have a strong password in your computer vault, as it's the best way to protect your device, and more importantly, your personal information. Having a strong password is a hurdle against many online threats, but it's also a fairly dynamic thing, as it's good practice to regularly change the passwords you have.

Hackers, cybercriminals, and other malicious computer villains are constantly changing their practices in hopes of bypassing companies that offer anti-phishing software, including anti-hacking and anti-fraud software.anti-virus softwareBag. That's why it's a really good idea to get organized when it comes to having a secure password.

If you have questions about how to choose and change a secure set of passwords, it may be time to consider software that can help you control them more effectively, such as a password manager.

What is a strong password and why do we need it? (2)

NordPass is Techradar's highest rated password manager Password protection is extremely important and NordPass offers an affordable, powerful and easy-to-use solution. getNordPass Premium33% off two years - just $1.49 per month.

(Video) Strong Passwords

what is the problem?

Weak passwords can compromise the security of your computer hardware or allow criminals to easily access personal information you may have stored online. This could mean that cybercriminals will be able to gain access to online accounts through less sensitive items such associal mediaSave personal data to a highly confidential location, such as an online banking account or your owntaxand information about Social Security.

If you've ever experienced the pain and stress of data theft, you know that once the damage is done, it can take a long time to fix everything. A strong password, or set of passwords (if you have multiple online and offline accounts), is an important part of keeping cybercriminals at bay. Hackers have a variety of tricks to try and break into your accounts, including automated dictionary-based attacks, extracting easy-to-find data from social media accounts, and even less sophisticated brute-force attacks that they can often succeed at harming you Account. More obvious or simpler passwords.

You should also be wary of phishing attempts viae-mail, SMS or phone call. Likewise, you can fall victim to a data security breach, and the company you work with can fall victim to hacking.

How to Create Strong Passwords

The most important thing in all of this is to create a strong password that will hopefully thwart any cracking attempts. Additionally, changing even the strongest passwords on a regular basis is another way to reduce the risk of cybercrime. Fortunately, there are some quick and easy ways to check that you have the right formula that can reduce your risk a little.

There are some obvious things to consider, such as the lack of easy-to-guess passwords, such as consecutive groups of numbers or keyboard choices. Consider the length of your password: longer than 10 characters is a good idea, or longer if you prefer. Another great way to mix is ​​by changing character types, such as uppercase and lowercase letters, symbols, etc. Strong passwords can be made more difficult to crack.

smart thinking helps

Remember, hackers know very well how to break into the mind of the person who created the password. Character substitutions that replace letters with numbers, such as "!" instead of 1 or "0" instead of "0" might seem like a good idea, but be careful because cybercriminals also have software that can override this situation.

Try to find combinations that are hard for the computer to guess, but also make sure you install a system thatpedicleI also remember this. Otherwise, you could be banned from your account, which could lead to another set of hurdles to clear.

simple but effective

It pays to take the time to create a strong password, and getting a good one always involves one of two distinct processes. You can create strong passwords by using passwords that are usually easier to remember. This is because it combines many different real words and combines them with random characters. With practice, you can usually find something that catches your eye and is easier to remember, but setting a password can still be difficult to crack.

Another form is random strings, which are passwords created by completely random selection and combination of character types. The upside is that they are hard to guess and hard to crack. One possible downside is that random strings can be hard to remember, but with a little practice it can be done.

remember your secure password

Including the above can create new problems, as remembering strong passwords can be challenging. It's important not to write down your password or put it in an obvious place, such as a text file on your laptop or a notes app on your phone. Many browsers often offer the ability to save passwords to make it easier to log into your accounts, but that's also not a good idea for obvious reasons.

Also, consider setting up two-factor authentication for your accounts, especially those that allow you to do online banking, pay bills, or handle accounting or taxes. Also, try to come up with a formula that means you'll be changing all of your most sensitive passwords regularly, not just one weird character. Ideally, you should start with a new password combination.

Get a password manager

One of the best ways to do this is to usepassword manager, a program that not only generates strong passwords, but also encrypts all data. Many better examples like paid instead of free orfreemiumtype, it will also tell you how good the password is and whether it looks easy to crack.

You still need to remember your master password to access your password manager, but the benefits of having multiple login locations and passwords to keep an eye on are obvious. Well worth the money.

Introducing the best commercial password managers

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(Video) How to Create a Strong Password You Can Easily Remember (3 Strategies)

What is a strong password and why do we need it? (3)

Roba Claymore

Rob Clymo has been a tech reporter longer than he can remember. He started in the crazy world of print magazines before discovering the power of the internet. During his several years at Microsoft, he led the innovation pipeline and regularly contributed news, reviews, features, and other content to TechRadar, TechRadar Pro, Tom's Guide, Fit&Well, Gizmodo, Shortlist, Automotive Interior World, International Test, and more. car. , international transportation, and the future of electric and hybrid vehicle technology. On the rare occasions he's not working, he's often out for a spin on his extensive collection of e-bikes.

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