Passwords are the broccoli of the internet. We know they’re good for us, but we still hate them. They’re a pain to remember, we have too many of them, and just when we come up with one we actually like, some website tells us it’s not secure enough because it doesn’t contain an uppercase letter, lowercase letter, symbol, number, and a strand of unicorn hair.
But here’s the deal: passwords matter, a lot. They’re the front door keys to your digital life: your bank, your email, your social media, or favorite shopping sites. If your passwords are weak or reused, it’s like leaving your keys in the car ignition with a “please steal me” sign on the dashboard.
So, How Do We Make Passwords Less Painful and More Powerful?
Here are three simple but powerful practices to help you level up your password game:
1. Make Your Passwords Long and Unique for Each Account
Think of it like a secret handshake with every site. The longer the password, the better. We recommend using passphrases—passwords made up of random words. Something like birds-clover-windy-breath.
In addition, make sure each account has a unique password. Can’t remember all those unique passwords? Password managers to the rescue.
2. Use a Password Manager
Seriously. You don’t need to memorize all your passwords. Let a password manager do all the work for you.
Password managers act like a secure vault: they remember your passwords, create strong passwords for you, login you in, validate websites, and much more. The latest versions offer family accounts, enabling you to secure all your loved ones too.
3. Turn on Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
MFA is like putting a deadbolt on your already locked door. Even if someone gets your password, they still can’t get in without your second factor—usually a text message, an app prompt, or a biometric check.
It’s one of the easiest ways to dramatically increase your security.
Final Action: Your Password Spring Cleaning
These basics may not be flashy, but they work. Like flossing or wearing sunscreen, they quietly protect you every day. Since it’s Password Day, here are a couple of additional steps to help protect you for the rest of the year:
- Review your online accounts and delete any you no longer use (seriously, do you still need that MySpace account?)
- For the accounts you do keep, make sure each has a strong, unique password.
You’ve got this. Passwords don’t have to be a pain—they just need a little love and attention.
Passwords matter every day—not just on World Password Day. Stay ahead of cyber threats year-round with the free OUCH! newsletter. Sign up now for monthly tips to keep yourself safe online.
