Q&A for How to Create a Secure Password

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  • Question
    What are the rules to create a secure password?
    Luigi Oppido
    Computer & Tech Specialist
    Luigi Oppido is the Owner and Operator of Pleasure Point Computers in Santa Cruz, California. Luigi has over 25 years of experience in general computer repair, data recovery, virus removal, and upgrades. He is also the host of the Computer Man Show! broadcasted on KSQD covering central California for over two years.
    Computer & Tech Specialist
    Expert Answer
    It's a good idea to have at least 2 or 3 passwords that you use for different sites. That way, if one password is compromised, you won't have as many sites that you need to go in and change.
  • Question
    What are some good password ideas?
    Luigi Oppido
    Computer & Tech Specialist
    Luigi Oppido is the Owner and Operator of Pleasure Point Computers in Santa Cruz, California. Luigi has over 25 years of experience in general computer repair, data recovery, virus removal, and upgrades. He is also the host of the Computer Man Show! broadcasted on KSQD covering central California for over two years.
    Computer & Tech Specialist
    Expert Answer
    To make a very secure password, focus on the length. For instance, you might think of 3 words that normally wouldn't go together, and put them together in a password. It will take a computer about 60 years to figure out a 10-12 character password, even if it's all lowercase letters with no special characters.
  • Question
    Is it safe to use foreign names or places in my password?
    Community Answer
    Using foreign names or places can add complexity, but they may not be secure if a hacker is familiar with the language.
  • Question
    Is it safe to use a lesser-known nickname as a password?
    Community Answer
    Using a nickname as a password is acceptable if it isn't easily linked to your real name. For better security, choose an uncommon nickname and consider adding numbers or symbols to increase its strength.
  • Question
    How can I create a new password if I've run out of ideas?
    Community Answer
    Consider using the first line of your favorite song; it's memorable for you and typically long enough to be difficult to crack.
  • Question
    Will writing down a password make it less secure because others might find it?
    Community Answer
    It depends on where you store it. If you live with trustworthy people, it's generally safe to keep your passwords hidden at home. You don't need to write down which password is for which site if you can remember them.
  • Question
    Is it safe to rearrange my old password if I'm worried about forgetting it and it may be known to others?
    Clorox Bleach
    Community Answer
    You should write down your new password as suggested in the article. Simply rearranging an old password, like changing 'PeterPilot001' to 'Peter001Pilot', is not secure. If your password is known by others, you should change it immediately and create a completely new one.
  • Question
    Should I use multiple languages in a password for enhanced security?
    Community Answer
    Yes, using multiple languages in a password can increase its complexity and make it harder to guess.
  • Question
    How can I create a secure password that is easy to remember?
    Community Answer
    To create a secure yet memorable password, combine the name of your favorite food, sport, hobby, or animal with two to four numbers. For example, you might use "Reading1998" or "Wolf24." Adding numbers makes the password harder to guess.
  • Question
    Should I use a different password for each of my bank accounts?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you should use a unique password for each bank account. If remembering multiple passwords is difficult, consider making minor adjustments to your existing passwords.
  • Question
    Where should I store my written passwords for quick access, and is a safe a good option?
    Clorox Bleach
    Community Answer
    You can store written passwords in a safe place such as a locked drawer, a safe, or hidden at the back of a drawer under clothing. Any secure location that is not in plain sight should work well.
  • Question
    Could a password management program steal my password, and how can I prevent it?
    Clorox Bleach
    Community Answer
    Most reputable password management programs are secure and have safeguards against unauthorized access. To enhance security, choose a well-reviewed program, keep your software updated, and regularly check for and remove any malicious software from your device.
  • Question
    Is it safe to use the same word for both my username and password?
    EXTRANET
    Community Answer
    No, it's not safe. Your username is visible to others, making it easy for someone to hack your account if both are the same.
  • Question
    Can I hack using a phone?
    Community Answer
    Hacking with a phone is possible, but you would need to root your device.
  • Question
    Is it a good idea to download a password manager to enhance security?
    Top Answerer
    While downloading a password manager isn't necessary, it can greatly simplify managing your passwords, though you may opt for another method if it better suits your needs.
  • Question
    Is it okay to share my password with parents, teachers, or technicians?
    Top Answerer
    You can share your password with your parents if you trust them, but it's best not to share it with teachers or technicians, as they shouldn't need it. Ensure you use a different password for each site, so if you must give someone access to one account, you won't be compromising your other accounts.
  • Question
    Why does my phone require a password with at least 7 characters, including uppercase letters and numbers?
    LittleJennyWren
    Community Answer
    Your phone needs a password with at least 7 characters, including uppercase letters and numbers, to improve security and make it harder for unauthorized users to access your information.
  • Question
    What makes a password difficult for hackers to guess?
    LittleJennyWren
    Community Answer
    A strong password combines numbers, letters, and symbols without obvious patterns or personal information. For example, a random sequence like "gj492sdju744re" is more secure than a pattern-based password like "t1o2m3."
  • Question
    Why is it important to change my passwords regularly?
    LittleJennyWren
    Community Answer
    Regularly changing your passwords increases your account security by making it more difficult for hackers to guess or crack them.
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