Luckily, lots of computers now have built-in features that suggest automated, random passwords. These are usually packed with numbers, special characters, and capitalized letters, so the hard work is done for you. However, if you’re planning on accessing that site or account from somewhere other than your desktop or laptop—say, your mobile phone—that complicated password could be difficult to remember.
Therefore, we’d like to suggest some password creation practices that will keep your devices secure while still being easy to remember!
What Not To Do
First, we should point out the obvious: what not to do. Don’t use your birthday or any other personal information—like your phone number or home address—as your password. These are fairly common and are the first guesses someone with malicious intent will try if your account(s) or device(s) has been compromised.
What Not To Do
First, we should point out the obvious: what not to do. Don’t use your birthday or any other personal information—like your phone number or home address—as your password. These are fairly common and are the first guesses someone with malicious intent will try if your account(s) or device(s) has been compromised.
The Numbers Game
One fun way to create passwords is to substitute numbers for letters. First, start with a word that has personal meaning to you. For example, say your childhood pet was named Mr. Bobby, you could substitute numbers for letters and create Mr.8088y, a tough-to-crack for others, but easy-to-remember password for you. Does the website require your password to have a symbol? Bookend your passwords with symbols like *Mr.8088y* or add an exclamation point to create Mr.8088y!
Use an Application
If you would still rather use the auto-generated passwords your computer has created for you, there is another option: Downloading an app like 1Password that stores all of your passwords in one place. Even if you forget your passwords, 1Password promises to “remember them all for you”. Simply save your passwords in the app and you’ll be able to log in to sites with a single click.