How to: Create A Secure Password | Step-by-Step Tutorial

Question

What are the rules to create a secure password?

Luigi Oppido
Computer & Tech Specialist

Luigi Oppido is the Owner and Operator of Pleasure Point Computers in Santa Cruz, California. Luigi has over 25 years of experience in general computer repair, data recovery, virus removal, and upgrades. He is also the host of the Computer Man Show! broadcasted on KSQD covering central California for over 7 years.

Luigi Oppido

Computer & Tech Specialist

Expert Answer

It's a good idea to have at least 2 or 3 passwords that you use for different sites. That way, if one password is compromised, you won't have as many sites that you need to go in and change.

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Question

What are some good password ideas?

Luigi Oppido
Computer & Tech Specialist

Luigi Oppido is the Owner and Operator of Pleasure Point Computers in Santa Cruz, California. Luigi has over 25 years of experience in general computer repair, data recovery, virus removal, and upgrades. He is also the host of the Computer Man Show! broadcasted on KSQD covering central California for over 7 years.

Luigi Oppido

Computer & Tech Specialist

Expert Answer

To make a very secure password, focus on the length. For instance, you might think of 3 words that normally wouldn't go together, and put them together in a password. It will take a computer about 60 years to figure out a 10-12 character password, even if it's all lowercase letters with no special characters.

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Question

Is it safe to use a lesser-known nickname as a password?

Community Answer

Using a nickname as a password is acceptable if it isn't easily linked to your real name. For better security, choose an uncommon nickname and consider adding numbers or symbols to increase its strength.

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Question

Will writing down a password make it less secure because others might find it?

Community Answer

It depends on where you store it. If you live with trustworthy people, it's generally safe to keep your passwords hidden at home. You don't need to write down which password is for which site if you can remember them.

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Question

If I am concerned others know my old password and I worry about forgetting a new one, is it safe to just rearrange my existing password?

Clorox Bleach

Community Answer

Rearranging an old password is not secure. Instead, you should create a completely new password. As the article suggests, you can write it down if you need to remember it. If others know your password, change it immediately.

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Question

How can I create a secure password that is easy to remember?

Community Answer

To create a secure yet memorable password, combine the name of your favorite food, sport, hobby, or animal with two to four numbers. For example, you might use "Reading1998" or "Wolf24." Adding numbers makes the password harder to guess.

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Question

Should I use a different password for each of my bank accounts?

Community Answer

Yes, you should use a unique password for each bank account. If remembering multiple passwords is difficult, consider making minor adjustments to your existing passwords.

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Question

Where should I store my written passwords for quick access, and is using a safe a good option?

Clorox Bleach

Community Answer

You should store written passwords in a secure place such as a locked drawer, a safe, or hidden at the back of a drawer under clothing. Any secure location that isn't in plain sight is a good option.

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Question

Could a password management program steal my password, and how can I prevent it?

Clorox Bleach

Community Answer

Most reputable password management programs are secure and have safeguards against unauthorized access. To enhance security, choose a well-reviewed program, keep your software updated, and regularly check for and remove any malicious software from your device.

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Question

Can I safely use the same word for both my username and password?

EXTRANET

Community Answer

No, it is not safe. Your username is often publicly visible or easily discoverable, which would make it much easier for someone to gain unauthorized access to your account if it also served as your password.

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Question

Can I use my phone for hacking?

Community Answer

Yes, you can use a phone for hacking. However, you typically need to 'root' an Android device or 'jailbreak' an iOS device to access the advanced tools and capabilities often required for these activities.

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Question

Is it a good idea to download a password manager to enhance security?

R2_d2000

Top Answerer

While downloading a password manager isn't necessary, it can greatly simplify managing your passwords, though you may opt for another method if it better suits your needs.

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Question

Why does my phone require a password with at least seven characters, including uppercase letters and numbers?

LittleJennyWren

Community Answer

Your phone requires a password with at least seven characters, including uppercase letters and numbers, to enhance security and make it more difficult for unauthorized users to access your information.

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Question

What makes a password difficult for hackers to guess?

LittleJennyWren

Community Answer

A strong password combines numbers, letters, and symbols without obvious patterns or personal information. For example, a random sequence like "gj492sdju744re" is more secure than a pattern-based password like "t1o2m3."

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Question

Why is it important for me to change my passwords regularly?

LittleJennyWren

Community Answer

Regularly changing your passwords enhances your account security by making it more challenging for hackers to guess or crack them.

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Question

Is it okay to share my password with parents, teachers, or technicians?

R2_d2000