How to create a strong password

Create a password that will baffle hackers, confuse nosy friends and keep your accounts safe!

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A computer
• Internet access
• Accounts that require a password

1. Creating a password is simple...creating one that is memorable AND strong is not so simple. First, think of a word that describes you.
   
   Example: I'm funny. Word: funny

2. Next, think of something you like. This could be your favorite day of the week, a color, a time of year, a movie, a band...etc. Just make sure it's something you know how to spell.
   
   Example: tool

3. Finally, find a way to string them together with numbers and other letters.
   
   Example: 3funny2ools
   
   This reads like "Three funny tools"

4. You can make the password even stronger by adding uppercase and lowercase letters:
   
   Example:3Funny2ools

5. To mix it up one more time (and really confuse the infiltrators,) try using a letter that sounds like the way yours is spelled:
   
   Example: 3Funny2oolz
   
   This is a great password! Try coming up with a few yourself, and keep them written down on a piece of paper. Keep it somewhere safe! Using things you like and words that describe you can keep them pretty easy to remember.

Tips & Warnings

• NEVER give anyone your password.
• ALWAYS use a different password for a different account- If someone figures out one, you don't want them figuring out all of them.
• Don't use obvious words and numbers, like your name and birthday. These are easy to figure out.
• Don't enter your password into a website when you have clicked to it from an email. There are some clever copies of sites out there (like ebay, your bank, etc.) that will try to capture your password with a phishing email.

[acole]

on 7/20/2008 Good tips. I always try to create passwords I won't forget, but somehow, I always seem to forget them!