How to Create Strong Passwords You’ll Actually Remember

Why Passwords Still Matter

Even with biometrics and passkeys on the rise, passwords are still your first line of defense on most websites.

🚫 Bad passwords = fast hacks

✅ Good passwords = better sleep

What Makes a Password “Strong”?

A strong password is:

• At least 12–16 characters
  
   
• Includes upper/lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols
  
   
• NOT based on names, birthdays, or dictionary words
  
   

• Unique (never reused across accounts)

   

3 Ways to Build Strong Passwords That Stick

1. 

Use a Passphrase (Easy to Remember, Hard to Guess)

Create a sentence and tweak it slightly. Example:

"MyDogEats2TacosEveryFriday!"

"CloudsRunFaster@Midnight"

You can also abbreviate it:

"MdE2TEF!" = My dog eats 2 tacos every Friday!

Link to Bitwardens Password Strength Testing Tool: https://bitwarden.com/password-strength/

2. 

Use a Password Manager to Generate and Store Passwords

Free and paid options can create insane passwords like:

cS!8pE@9z#g4&7wL

…but you don’t have to remember them.

Top tools to try:

• Bitwarden (free & open source)
  
   
• 1Password
  
   
• NordPass
  
   

Link to Bitwardens Free Password Generator: https://bitwarden.com/password-generator/

3. 

Don’t Repeat Passwords — Ever

If one gets leaked in a breach, attackers try it everywhere else (called credential stuffing).

🔐 Use a unique password for every account — especially email, bank, and cloud storage.

You can check for reused or leaked passwords using:

• HaveIBeenPwned
  
   
• Your browser’s built-in password checker (Chrome, Safari, Firefox)

Bonus: Password Myths to Ignore

🚫 “I change my password every month, so I’m safe.”

✅ Strong + unique > frequent changes

🚫 “Adding ! to the end makes it secure.”

✅ Attackers try common patterns — mix it up

🚫 “Nobody would guess my dog’s name.”

✅ Yes, they would. Especially if it’s on Instagram.

TL;DR — Password Power Moves

• ✅ Use passphrases or a password manager
  
   
• ✅ Make every password unique
  
   
• ✅ Avoid anything public (like your pet’s name or birthday)
  
   
• ✅ Check for breaches with HaveIBeenPwned
  
   

• ✅ Store logins securely — not in Notes or on sticky notes