How do I use strong and unique passwords?

In order to keep your accounts and information safe online, you must use what is often referred to as a strong and unique password. Let's start with what is not a strong and unique password. Some of the most commonly used passwords are things like, "Password" and "123456". These are not strong because they are easy to guess, and are not unique because thousands if not millions of accounts use these same passwords. "123456" also follows a sequential key path, so something like "qwerty" is also not a good password.

    Strong passwords can be used by using the length  and complexity of the password to your advantage. See the picture below for reference:

By using only a 4 character password, someone can essentially crack your password instantly. But by using 18 characters, only numbers in this case, it would take somewhere around 3 weeks. Now by using all the characters in the far right column, starting at 7 characters total, the password cracking time goes up exponentially. That means that is you use a 14 character password with number, upper and lowercase letters, and symbols, it would take somewhere in the ballpark of 16,000,000 years to crack!

Now of course with higher security, you run into lower ease of use. It's hard to remember multiple passwords of significant length and complexity. Luckily, there is software to help you manage. Password managers, such as NordPass, can help securely manage your passwords, with only one master password to remember. 

A few key thoughts to remember when creating a password:

• Use passwords of significant length and complexity (strong)
• Never use the same password for multiple accounts (unique)
• Consider a password manager to help you keep track

Author: Stephen T.