Password Generator

Same Password

Using the same password for multiple accounts is one of the biggest security risks. If one site or service is breached, attackers could use the same password to access other accounts. This approach, called "credential stuffing," is commonly used by hackers to break into accounts quickly. Using a unique password for each account limits the damage if one password is compromised, ensuring other accounts remain safe.

Family Names

Family names (like "Smith" or "John") are easily guessable, especially if they’re visible on social media profiles or public records. Hackers often use personal information available online to guess passwords, which is called social engineering. Using unrelated, random characters instead of personal details makes your password harder to crack, ensuring better security.

Phone Numbers

Passwords that include your phone number are risky, as phone numbers are publicly available or easy to guess. Attackers could try to brute-force accounts by using numbers associated with the victim. Instead, use a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols unrelated to your personal information to create a more secure password.

Web Browsers

Storing passwords in web browsers may seem convenient, but browser security varies widely. Browsers store passwords in ways that may not be fully encrypted, making them vulnerable if your device is hacked. Instead, use a dedicated password manager, which encrypts data with stronger security standards and keeps passwords safely organized.

Important Accounts

For critical accounts (such as email, banking, and healthcare), always use strong, unique passwords. These accounts typically contain sensitive data that could lead to significant losses if compromised. In addition to a complex password, enable two-factor authentication (2FA) to add an extra layer of security, making it harder for attackers to access your information.

Unencrypted

Never store passwords in plain text or unencrypted documents, as anyone who accesses your device could see them. An unencrypted file can be read easily if your device is stolen or compromised. Instead, use a password manager with strong encryption to protect your credentials, ensuring that only you can access them.

SMS Message with Passwords

Sending passwords via SMS is not secure, as SMS messages can be intercepted through SIM-swapping attacks or spyware. If you must share a password, consider using a secure messaging app that supports encryption (such as Signal). This ensures that only the intended recipient can read the password, protecting it from unauthorized access.

Sharing Passwords on Social Media

It’s never safe to share passwords on social media or even through personal messaging apps like WhatsApp, X (formerly Twitter), or Facebook. Social media and messaging platforms lack the encryption necessary to securely transmit passwords. For secure sharing, use a password manager with a sharing feature, which keeps credentials encrypted.

Secure is My Password?

A strong password is long, complex, and unique, containing a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid online "strength checkers" unless they’re from reputable password managers, as these tools may store your password. Instead, use a password manager to generate and assess password strength without risking exposure.

MD5 Hash

MD5 was once a standard for hashing but is now considered insecure due to vulnerabilities that make it susceptible to collision attacks. Hackers can easily reverse MD5 hashes using precomputed tables. For password storage, use a more secure hash function, like bcrypt or Argon2, which are specifically designed for handling passwords securely.

Recommended Length of Passwords

Experts recommend that passwords be at least 12–16 characters long. Longer passwords take exponentially more time to crack, especially when paired with complexity (a mix of upper/lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols). Password managers can help create and remember these long passwords, enhancing your account security without extra effort.

Recommended to Change Your Passwords

Changing passwords periodically reduces the risk of a breach going undetected. Set a schedule to update critical passwords every 6–12 months and change them immediately if there’s a suspected breach. Keeping passwords fresh and unique helps limit access time for potential attackers, preserving your data’s security.

Operating Systems

Keeping your operating system (OS) updated is crucial for security, as updates often patch vulnerabilities that hackers exploit to access data, including passwords. Both desktop and mobile OS updates should be applied regularly. Enabling automatic updates can ensure your OS is always protected with the latest security improvements.

Encrypt the Entire Hard Drive

Encrypting your entire hard drive protects your data if your device is lost or stolen. Hard drive encryption tools (like BitLocker on Windows or FileVault on Mac) protect your files by requiring a password to decrypt. This ensures that even if someone removes your hard drive, they can’t access your data without the encryption key.

Different Email Passwords

Using unique passwords for each email account ensures that one compromised email won’t expose others. Email is also often used for account recovery, so a single breach could allow attackers to reset passwords on multiple accounts. By having different passwords, you limit the scope of potential damage.

Private Key Using GnuPG

GnuPG (GNU Privacy Guard) is a tool for encrypting files and communications with a private key. Using a private key protected by a passphrase ensures that only you can decrypt your data, even if the file is shared. This is particularly useful for sensitive documents and private communications that require extra security.

MD5 or SHA1 Checksums

For file integrity verification, it’s better to use SHA-256 or SHA-3 checksums rather than MD5 or SHA1, which have vulnerabilities. Stronger checksums protect against tampering by ensuring that files haven’t been altered. This is particularly important for sensitive or downloadable files, where modifications can introduce malware.

Backdoor Injection

Downloading software from untrusted sources can lead to backdoor infections, which secretly grant attackers remote access. These backdoors can capture sensitive information, including passwords. Only download software from official sources and verify digital signatures when available to ensure software authenticity.

Cookies Can Be Intercepted

Cookies store session data and can be intercepted on unsecured networks. Attackers who intercept cookies may gain unauthorized access to accounts. Avoid using public Wi-Fi for sensitive transactions, and enable HTTPS where possible. Using a VPN can also provide additional protection on open networks.

Additional Tips

Following these best practices will significantly enhance your security and reduce the risk of unauthorized access.