How to Create a Strong Password
Simple steps to create passwords that are hard to guess and easy for you to manage safely.
Lesson content
A strong password helps keep your email, bank, and other accounts safe. Weak passwords — like “password123” or your birth year — are easy for criminals to guess or steal.
A good password is long and unique. Many experts recommend at least 12 characters. A passphrase — several random words strung together — can be both strong and memorable. Example: “BlueChairRiver7!”
Use a different password for each important account. If one site is hacked, your other accounts stay protected.
Never share your password with anyone — including people who claim to be tech support. Real companies will not ask for your password by phone or email.
Consider using a password manager (an app that stores passwords securely) or writing hints in a safe place at home — not the full password on a sticky note on your monitor.
When available, turn on two-factor authentication (2FA). This adds a second step — like a code sent to your phone — so a stolen password alone is not enough to break in.
Step-by-step actions
- Pick a passphrase with at least 12 characters for important accounts.
- Use a different password for email, banking, and social media.
- Turn on two-factor authentication where it is offered.
- Change passwords if you think an account may have been compromised.
- Store passwords in a password manager or a secure written list at home.
- If someone asks for your password, refuse and hang up or delete the message.
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