Why strong passwords still matter
In 2026, account takeovers are still one of the most common security problems online. Most attacks don’t happen because hackers are “geniuses” — they happen because passwords are reused, too short, or easy to guess. A strong password reduces the chance of a successful login attempt, even if an attacker has part of your information.
What makes a password strong
- Length: longer is better (aim for 12–16+ characters).
- Randomness: avoid dictionary words and predictable patterns.
- Mix: include letters, numbers, and symbols when allowed.
- Uniqueness: never reuse a password across accounts.
If you want a fast way to create a random password, use our Password Generator and generate a unique password for each important account.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using your name, phone number, date of birth, or simple variations.
- Reusing the same password on multiple websites.
- Storing passwords in plain text notes without protection.
- Sharing passwords through insecure messages.
Better password habits in real life
A password manager can help you store unique passwords safely. If you don’t want to use a manager yet, at least start by securing your email and banking accounts first. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) whenever it’s available.
A simple security checklist
- Use 12–16+ character passwords for important accounts.
- Turn on 2FA for email, social accounts, and payments.
- Update passwords after a breach notification.
- Use a password generator for randomness.
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