How to Create a Strong, Non-Random Password You Can Remember

Nothing is hack proof, but strong passwords can be a hassle to remember. Here's how I create top-strength passwords that I can commit to memory.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Think of a line from a song, movie or poem that you like. Here, I'll use a line from the movie Motel Hell: "It takes all types of critters to make Farmer Vincent's fritters."

2. We're not going to use whole words, so dictionary scripts won't help a potential hacker. Instead, we'll use the first letter from each word. Start with lower case: "itatoctmfvf."

3. Capitalize every third or fourth letter: "itAtoCtmFvf."

4. Think of a number that's easy to remember. Try not to be too obvious. Examples might be the fax number where you work, or the number of digits in each of your names (Samuel John Smith = 645). I'll use the address of the house that I was born in: 5555. (No, that's not the real address).

5. Insert that number into the password. It's easier to remember if you insert it between clauses: "itAtoC5555tmFvf."

6. If possible, surround the numbers with non-alphanumeric characters. You might have to research what characters are legal, but generally speaking you can use exclamation marks, asterisks and/or dollar signs: "itAtoC!5555!tmFvf."

7. Log in and out a couple of times. This helps you remember what numeric and non-alphanumeric characters you used, and where you used them.

Tips & Warnings

• If you use a lot of different passwords, you'll likely want a written record of what they are. Don't keep them on your computer. Put them down in writing. If security at your locale is an issue, keep the list remote from your work station, and use phrases as hints rather than the actual password: "Farmer Vincent, Birth!"
• No password is hack proof. Always stay vigilant when it comes to accounts securing sensitive information.