How to create a strong password
Short answer
Make passwords long and unique for every account. Length matters more than special characters, so a long random passphrase or a string from a password manager beats a short, clever one. Never reuse passwords across sites.
Length is the biggest lever
Every extra character multiplies the number of possibilities an attacker must try. A long password is far harder to crack than a short one with a few symbols swapped in. Aim for at least 16 characters where the site allows it.
What actually makes a password strong
- Length: longer is stronger, more than any single trick
- Randomness: avoid names, dates, and dictionary words
- Uniqueness: a different password for every account
- Unpredictability: skip obvious substitutions like
P@ssw0rd
Use a password manager
You cannot memorize a unique long password for every account, and you should not try. A password manager generates and stores them, so you only remember one strong master password. Turn on two-factor authentication wherever it is offered for an extra layer.