The password is the oldest and most widespread method of authentication in computing.. Nowadays there are additional technologies such as PIN codes, facial recognition, fingerprints, patterns, or biometric scanners, but Passwords remain the fundamental pillar of digital security. Protect accounts, files, personal data, and devices in all digital environments.
Imagine your password is the key to your digital home. If your key is weak or predictable, it's like having a lock that anyone can open.The habit of using the same password for multiple accounts increases the risk, making all your information vulnerable if someone manages to decipher it.
Of course, no key is 100% unbreakable, but Increasing the complexity and strength of your passwords can make all the difference in keeping your privacy safe.Below, we offer the most comprehensive, up-to-date, and practical guide on how to create, manage, and protect strong passwords.
Why is it so important to have a strong password?
Passwords protect all types of personal information: from banking details and emails to photographs, confidential documents, and access to essential services. Unauthorized access can lead to identity theft, financial fraud, and the exposure of your privacy.. Additionally, if your accounts are interconnected, a breach in just one can put all your other accounts at risk.
Cybercriminals exploit any weakness to attack. From technical vulnerabilities to the use of social engineering to try to guess passwords based on public information such as your first names, birth dates, or social media details.
Most common mistakes when creating passwords
- Passwords too short, especially those less than 8 characters, are extremely easy to crack with brute force attacks.
- Use number sequences or simple keyboards: “123456”, “qwerty”, “abcdef”. These are the first ones that attackers try.
- Repeat the same password on multiple sitesIf one of your websites is compromised, all of your accounts are at risk.
- Personal information that is easy to find out: names, dates, nicknames, places, favorite sports teams, or a pet's name.
- Simple and well-known substitutions, such as using “3” for “e” or “0” for “o.” Decryption programs already take these classic tricks into account.
Recent statistics show that “123456” remains the most used password in the world, followed by “123456789,” “password,” “qwerty,” and similar combinations. All of these can be guessed in less than a second.
Key tips for creating a strong and secure password
- Suitable length: The longer the password, the harder it is to guess. A minimum of 12 characters is recommended—although 16 or more is ideal.
- Combination of different types of characters: Use uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Example: “R3!aT$p0Lk2@”
- Avoid using common words or keyboard patterns. Don’t use dictionary words, sequences, or repetitions like “aaaa” or “1111.”
- Don't reuse passwords: One password, one account.
- Do not include personal information: Last names, dates of birth, addresses or phone numbers should never be included.
- Use passphrases: Choose several random, seemingly unrelated words and add numbers and symbols in unpredictable positions. Example: “Cup$Tiger_Sea8Blue?”
- Avoid predictable substitutionsAttackers know techniques like replacing “a” with “@” or “e” with “3.” Stick to rules only you know.
- Don't use old passwordsNever repeat passwords you've already used. Data from previous breaches is often found in public cybercriminal databases.
- Make it easy to remember, but hard to guess: Use mnemonic techniques or phrases with personal (but not public) meaning.
- Check the strength of your password: Use security checkers like the “zxcvbn” standard to ensure your key is strong.
Practical examples of strong passwords and strategies for creating them
There are several effective methods for creating strong passwords:
- Memorable Phrase Method: Choose a phrase that only you remember, take the first letters of each word, and add numbers and symbols. Example: “My dog runs fast every day in the park” = “Mpcrtldep!”
- Combination of unrelated words: Put together three or four random words, mixing uppercase, lowercase, and relevant symbols: “SolPapel!Dado20?Rio”
- Diceware Method: Use dice rolls to select multiple words from a list. Example: “finger-table-square-circus-moon.” Then, add symbols and numbers to reinforce the list.
- Sudoku or custom pattern: Create a grid of numbers and follow a memorable pattern, using that pattern for your password.
- Alternating words and numbers: Intercalate letters and numbers in a personalized way, for example, combining “Bigote” and “34129” → “B3i4g1o2t9e!”
Current threats to password security
Today, attacks don't just rely on weak passwords. Hackers use specialized software and powerful servers that try millions of combinations per second.The main types of threats:
- Dictionary attacks: They try combinations of common words and frequently used patterns.
- brute force attacks: Generate all possible combinations of characters until the correct one is found.
- Social engineering: Researchers look at your social media accounts or public information to try to decipher clues based on likes, names, or relevant dates.
- Phishing: Attempts to deceive you via email, SMS, or fake websites that mimic legitimate pages to steal your password when you enter it.
- Massive data leaksWhen a platform is hacked, your passwords can end up in the hands of criminals and be reused to access other services.
The only truly effective protection is a combination of good habits, strong passwords and additional security measures.
Essential measures to protect and manage your passwords
- Enable two-step authentication (2FA or MFA): By enabling two-factor authentication, you'll need a second factor (SMS, email, authentication app, or biometric verification) in addition to your password. This way, even if someone guesses your password, they won't be able to access it without the second step.
- Update your passwords periodically: Change your passwords, especially for important services, from time to time. Don't just change one character: generate a completely new password.
- Don't share your passwordsNot by email, not by text, not with anyone you trust. Any breach can jeopardize your entire security.
- Avoid saving passwords on papers, notes, or unprotected files.If you need to store them, use a specialized manager with encryption. Don't use unencrypted spreadsheets or physical notebooks near your computer.
- Be wary of unexpected requests for information: Legitimate banks, services, and businesses will never ask for your password over the phone or by email.
- Use different email accounts for different functions (personal, work, secondary services), thus minimizing the impact of a potential breach.
- Periodically check if your accounts have been leaked.: Websites like “Have I been pwned” allow you to check if your email address appears in compromised databases.
Password managers: what are they and why should you use them?
Memorizing dozens of unique and complex passwords is, in practice, impossible. Password managers emerge as the most effective and simple solution to maintain a high level of security without complications..
- They store all your passwords in encrypted form and you only need to remember one master key.
- Automatically generate secure passwords and can fill them out for you on the websites or apps you use.
- You can sync your passwords between devices (mobile, tablet, computer), just by accessing with your main password.
- Some managers include security checker and breach alerts. to help you renew compromised passwords.
Many have a custom password generator, allowing you to define length, use of special characters, readability, and checking against known password databases. In addition, most They do not store your passwords on their servers, only you have access to your digital vault.
How to avoid forgetting your passwords: tricks and memorization systems
- Use the personal phrase methodA meaningful phrase, combined with symbols, can form the basis of all your codes. For example, “My pet Bruno was born in Cádiz!” would be “MMBneC!”
- Try mnemonics: Match parts of your password to images, sounds, or associations that only you know.
- Rely on password managers, which automatically remember and fill in each key for you.
- Treat security questions as if they were passwordsIf you use them to recover access, come up with complex or unrelated answers, just as if it were just another password. Write them down in your password manager.
How to act if you forget or suspect your password has been leaked
- Use account recovery systems: Always add recovery information, such as a secondary email or phone number, to restore access if you forget it.
- Change your password immediately If you suspect an account may have been compromised, do this for all accounts where you've reused that password.
- Contact service support if you detect suspicious activity or cannot access your account.
Advanced recommendations to increase your online security
- Always enable multi-factor authentication on all platforms that allow it.
- Avoid connections to public Wi-Fi networks to access your important accounts or manage your passwords.
- Do not store screenshots of your passwords, or send them through messaging apps.
- Review the devices linked to your accounts and remove any you don't recognize..
- Be careful with shared or public devices: Never access sensitive services from computers with general access or without security guarantees.
Adopting good habits and using specialized tools is the best defense against increasingly sophisticated attacks. Mastering digital security is an ongoing process that requires attention and learning, but it's vital not only to protecting your privacy but also your finances, reputation, and well-being. By following these tips, your information will remain much safer against any attempted attack or data leak.
