How To Be Mysterious With Your Password

We have a story about a truly interesting password. We all know passwords should be strong and unguessable, but did you know your password can also be interesting?

Here’s the story: there’s a man we know who used a ‘producer tag’ as his hotspot password. Pretty cool, right? And who would have thought of that? So, the point of this story isn’t to tell you to use an interesting password that isn’t strong or memorable (for only you). The point is that even in a creative way, you can make your password strong, unguessable, and memorable. You should imbibe healthy password practices.

Now what are the common healthy password practices?

  1. Creating Strong Passwords
  • Length is Key: Aim for at least 12 characters, but 16 or more is even better. Longer passwords are exponentially harder to crack.
  • Complexity Matters:
    • Include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters.  
    • Use numbers.
    • Incorporate symbols (!@#$%^&*()_+).  
  • Avoid the Obvious:
    • Don’t use dictionary words, names, or common phrases.  
    • Don’t use personal information (birthdates, pet names, etc.).  
    • Don’t use keyboard patterns (qwerty, 123456).  
  • Consider Passphrases: A passphrase is a sentence or phrase that’s easy for you to remember but difficult for others to guess.
    • Example: “MyBestColourBlue1!”
    • Longer passphrases are excellent.  

2. Password Management

  • Unique Passwords: Use a different password for every online account. This is crucial! If one account is compromised, others remain safe.  
  • Password Managers:
    • These tools generate, store, and often auto-fill strong passwords.  
    • They encrypt your passwords, providing a secure vault.  
    • You only need to remember one strong master password for the manager itself.
    • Examples: 1Password, LastPass, Dashlane, KeePass (some browsers also have built-in password managers).  
  • Writing Passwords Down (Use Caution):
    • If you must write them down, store them securely.
    • Don’t write them on obvious places like sticky notes.  
    • Consider writing down hints instead of the actual password.

3. Protecting Your Passwords

  • Never Share: Never tell anyone your passwords, even to friends, family, or customer support (legitimate companies will never ask for your password).  
  • Beware of Phishing:
    • Be cautious of emails, messages, or calls asking for your password.
    • Verify the sender’s authenticity before providing any information.
    • Don’t click on suspicious links.
  • Secure Connections:
    • Use secure websites (look for “https://” and a padlock icon).
    • Avoid using public Wi-Fi for sensitive transactions.  
  • Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA):
    • Enable MFA whenever possible.  
    • This adds an extra layer of security (e.g., a code from your phone) in addition to your password.  
  • Regular Updates:
    • Update your passwords periodically, especially for important accounts.  
    • Change passwords immediately if you suspect a breach.  

4. Why These Practices Matter

  • Prevent Identity Theft: Protect your personal and financial information.  
  • Maintain Privacy: Keep your online activities and data confidential.  
  • Secure Your Accounts: Prevent unauthorized access to your email, social media, banking, and other accounts.
  • Avoid Financial Loss: Safeguard your money and prevent fraud.
  • Protect Your Reputation: Prevent others from using your accounts to spread misinformation or harm your image.

By following these healthy password practices, you can significantly enhance your online security and protect yourself from cyber threats.