Passwords are like keys. And, like keys, they are used to access their corresponding "doors." A password for your PayPal account, for instance, allows access to all your PayPal transactions. A password for your email account, meanwhile, opens the door for your personal information exchange. Thus, just how regular keys are kept in a safe place for protection from intruders, learning how to create strong passwords is imperative in preventing the exploitation of your personal information and transactions.
To create a strong password, you should follow the steps below:
1. Think of a phrase made out of a memorable event - Most people are guilty of creating passwords out of their birth date, anniversary, or the name of their favorite band for the sake of easy recollection. This, however, is a big no-no as hackers would naturally try to decipher your password using information about you. A wise choice is to use an unforgettable event for your password rather than your personal information or preference. Not only will you almost completely eliminate the problem of thinking up of ways of making your password pass the eight-character password recommendation, it will also make recollection a piece of cake.
Example:
firstinclass
2. Substitute some characters of the phrase with non-alphabetic characters - Step up the complexity of the phrase you've thought of by replacing some of its characters with non-alphabetic characters. To make memorization and recollection easier, replace the phrase's characters with non-alphabetic characters that resemble them. An example of this is replacing "i" with "!." If a part of the phrase you've created can be represented another way, such as "1st" for "first," you may also use this as replacement.
Example:
1$t!ncl@$$
3. Add the domain name to the phrase - To help you remember and differentiate the passwords you've created for different domains, you may choose to append the name of the domain to its corresponding phrase. You may also opt to add a name that has something to do with the domain name instead of the domain name itself. The example below makes use of this method by using "fb" for the Facebook password and "ms" for the MySpace password. You may add the domain name before, after, or in between your phrase. Make sure, however, that you use the same pattern for all of your passwords otherwise you might have trouble remembering them.
Example:
Facebook password: fb1$t!ncl@$$
MySpace password: ms1$t!ncl@$$
4. Add numbers to the phrase - Aside from appending the domain name to your phrase, you can also add a number to your phrase to make your password stronger. Choose a number that you can easily remember and put it either before or after your phrase. As with putting the domain name to your phrase, it is also a good idea to make the number placement consistent in all of your passwords for easier memorization and recollection.
Example:
fb1$t!ncl@$$07
In this information age, it cannot be denied that data can be easily leaked out. Even with security specialists doing all they can to prevent intrusions, it wouldn't hurt to be vigilant and do ourselves the favor of adding extra protection by creating strong passwords.
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