Last night, I received a message from a friend I hadn’t talked to in a while.
She was sharing a long story and asking for money.
It felt off, so, even though it seemed strange because I hadn't spoken to her in a long time, I decided to call her directly. That's when I discovered her social media had been hacked.
This isn't the first time I've encountered something like this. More often than not, these incidents occur because people use weak, easy-to-break passwords. Weak passwords are like leaving your front door wide open to intruders. That's why I decided to share some tips with you today.
Do you know how secure your password is?
An easy-to-remember, short password can be broken in minutes.
As you can see in the image below to create a strong password, you need a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols. While these passwords are not unbreakable, they take significantly longer for a computer to crack.
Source: security.org
To check the security of your current password, you can use this tool:
Now try with this password created with my Google Sheet Password Tracker:
G-0W#hZa.&x!
I know that having complex passwords is complicated, especially with so many accounts these days. It would be almost impossible to remember all of them, and it is highly recommended not to reuse passwords. You can use a secure tool, like my Google Sheet password tracker. It not only generates strong passwords following appropriate rules but also provides an easy and secure way to keep them organized and verify their security.
Here are five secure password ideas to create your own passwords, remember that a secure password should include a combination of random words, numbers, and special characters.
- Random Phrase with Numbers and Symbols
- Example: Sunshine!42$Pancake
- Combines random words with numbers and special characters.
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- Modified Song Lyrics or Quotes
- Example: T!ger2TigerBurns!nTheN!ght
- A memorable line from a song or quote with substitutions for letters and added characters.
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- Acronym of a Personal Sentence
- Example: IlhtBCwmg1997!
- "I learned how to bake cookies with my grandma in 1997!"
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- Passphrase with a Twist
- Combination of Unrelated Words
- Example: Red$C@rBlueSky123!
- Pick three or four unrelated words and add numbers and special characters.
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Using these ideas, you can create passwords that are both secure and easier to remember.
I know that secure passwords can be hard to remember when using these best practices. That’s why a password tracker is essential for anyone looking to streamline their digital life. An easy solution is a printable password tracker. Get a FREE printable password tracker below.
A Google Sheet is a great solution—easy to use and protected under your Gmail account. It helps you create secure passwords following these rules and organizes and keeps them handy on any device, whether it's your computer, phone, or tablet. Simplify the process of managing passwords while ensuring their strength and security with a Google Sheet password tracker.
Here are more tips to increase your online security:
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Use a Password Manager: A password manager can help generate and store complex passwords for all your accounts. Check out my password tracker.
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Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Adding an extra layer of security makes it harder for hackers to gain access to your accounts.
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Regularly Update Your Passwords: Change your passwords every few months to reduce the risk of being hacked.
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Avoid Using Personal Information: Do not use easily guessable information like birthdays or names in your passwords.
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Be Cautious with Phishing Scams: Be wary of emails or messages that ask for personal information or direct you to suspicious websites.
Managing passwords doesn't have to be a daunting task. With a simple yet powerful tool like a Google Sheet, you can create, store, and access secure passwords effortlessly. By following best practices and utilizing a Google Sheets password tracker, you can ensure that your digital life remains organized and protected. If you prefer a printable option, you can always have a password book handy.
Don't forget your FREE printable password tracker:
Please let me know if you have questions, I will be happy to help.
Mimi.
Questions? write to : hello@natsikoworkshop.com