How To Make A Good Password
It amazes me every time I read some where that the most popular passwords are "123456" and, yes, "password." One in 10 four-digit PINs is "1234" according to consulting firm Data Genetics. Yikes!
Well, leave it to Consumer Reports
to come up with a great way to come up with a secure password you can remember..That's being a crucial part to a great password.
Their suggestion was to create your new password by creating a saying or sentence that means something to you and using the first letter of each word. That, will provide a stronger password than using a dictionary word. Rumor has it the dictionary is where most hackers start to get ideas.
Here are a couple examples:
If You Steal My Money I'll Kill You Slowly = iysmmikys
or
Grandma gives the best kisses to emma and joe = Ggtbkteaj
Now, substitute a few numbers or symbols. Last, remember the length is more important that the complexity.
iysm$ikyS or GgtbXte&j
And there you have it! ...strong passwords, Tada!
Test your password's report card:
- Is it too short? Go big and random: Remember, longer passwords are harder to hack
- Does it contain actual words, years, and calendar dates? Instead, devise memorable nonsense from abbreviated sentences (follow instructions above)
- Have you used this password in several places? Rule of thumb, don't repeat or Never reuse a password for sensitive accounts such as banks, email, or social media