Introduction

In today's digital world, protecting your online accounts is more important than ever. The first line of defence is a strong password. But what makes a password strong, and how do you create one you will not forget? This guide will take you through the key advice in creating a secure password that keeps your information safe.

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Last revised: 02/05/24

How to create a strong password

• Length is key 
  Aim for at least 8 characters, but ideally 12 or more. The longer your password, the harder it is to crack.
• Mix it up
  Use a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. This makes it much more difficult for someone to guess your password. Avoid using simple patterns like "abcd123" or sequences on your keyboard like "qwerty."
• Don't be personal
  Avoid any words that can be associated with you – this includes your name, birthday, family or pet's names, or any other personal information.
• Be unique
  Do not reuse passwords across different accounts. If one account gets compromised, hackers might try using the same password on other sites where you have accounts.
• Make it memorable
  A strong password is useless if you cannot remember it. Here are some tips for creating memorable passwords:

• Use a phrase or sentence that has meaning to you. For example, your favourite movie quote or a funny saying you share with a friend.
• Take the first letter of each word in a phrase and add numbers and symbols. For example, the phrase "I love sunshine!" could become "Il0v3Sunsh!ne."
• The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) recommends using 'three random words' when creating a password. You can read about this approach here: https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/collection/top-tips-for-staying-secure-online/three-random-words

• Consider using a password manager
  If you are finding it difficult to come up with strong and unique passwords for all your accounts, consider using a password manager. These applications can securely store your passwords and help you generate strong new ones, without the need to remember each one.