Strengthen Your Cybersecurity with Strong Passwords and a Password Manager

Weak passwords are one of the most common ways cybercriminals gain access to accounts. With Cybersecurity Awareness Month upon us, it’s the perfect time to take a closer look at how we can improve our online security. One of the easiest and most effective steps we can take is using strong passwords in combination with a password manager.

Three Simple Tips to Strengthen Your Passwords

Creating a strong password doesn’t have to be complicated. Follow these three simple tips to keep your accounts more secure:

1. Make Your Passwords Long

The longer your password, the harder it is to crack. Aim for at least 16 characters—longer is always better!

2. Make Your Passwords Random

There are two ways to create strong, random passwords:

• Random Strings of Letters, Numbers, and Symbols: These are the strongest passwords and look something like this:
  • gXmnWK78rf*&D00D
  • Luc5$PikQ56%ZoNNao60t
• Passphrases: These are easier to remember and consist of 4-7 unrelated words. For example:
  • Good: RandallRainRedRun
  • Great: RandallRainRedRunRecord
  • Amazing: Randall Rain Red Run Record Right

You can also use spaces before or between words to make passphrases even more secure and memorable!

3. Make Your Passwords Unique

It’s essential to use a different password for each account to minimize the damage in case one account is compromised. For example:

• Bank Account: m8dth0c@Lfn0fR2
• Email Account: legit cat volcano hand protection bird
• Social Media Account: h236js*mLs^3gh6

Pro Tip: Use a Password Manager

It’s hard to remember all these strong passwords and we don’t want to save them in a file on a computer.  A password manager is a program that generates, stores, and even auto-fills passwords for you, so you don’t have to remember them all.

Here’s why you should consider using a password manager:

• It Generates Strong Passwords: A password manager can create long, random passwords for every account.
• It Stores Your Passwords Securely: You won’t have to worry about forgetting a password or writing it down where someone else can find it.
• It Automatically Fills in Your Login Credentials: When you move from site to site, the password manager can log you in without hassle.
• It Alerts You of Weak or Reused Passwords: The manager will notify you if your passwords aren’t strong enough or if you’re reusing the same password across multiple accounts.

The only password you’ll need to remember is the one for the password manager itself, which can be a memorable passphrase like the examples above.

Choosing the Right Password Manager

There are plenty of password managers to choose from—some are free, while others offer paid features. To find the best option for you, search reputable sources like Consumer Reports for reviews and comparisons of password managers.

Lastly, don’t forget to enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) on accounts like email, social media, and financial services. MFA adds an extra layer of protection, making it even harder for cybercriminals to access your information.

Stay Secure, Stay Safe

With the right tools and practices, like strong passwords and password managers, you can significantly improve your cybersecurity. Taking small steps today can protect your valuable data from tomorrow's cyber threats.

Teknologize is a SOC 2 certified, Professional Technology Services company with clients throughout the Pacific Northwest. We have offices located in:

• Tri-Cities, Washington 509.396.6640
• Yakima, Washington 509.396.6640
• Bend, Oregon 541.848.6072
• Seattle, Washington 206.743.0981

Questions about your IT or Cybersecurity? Give us a call today!