What features characterise a strong password?

The first step is often to create a secure password. We all have far more passwords than we need. Despite their simplicity, strong passwords are a prerequisite for effective security. The easiest first step to a secure web presence is to use strong passwords for your web, FTP and data servers.

What features characterise a strong password?

- A three-character password is far less secure than a six- or eight-character password. As a rule of thumb, never use a password that is less than eight characters long.

- You must not use the default password.

- Never use a password that is a word from a dictionary. One of the most common ways to break into a system is to run scripts that try to guess your password from dictionary phrases. The less your password resembles a dictionary word, the less likely it is that someone will guess it.

- Insert numbers and special characters in your message.

- Avoid repeating numbers, characters or sequences such as 12345678, bbbbbbbbb or 777777777

- Never use your user name as a password or a combination thereof. Do not use your domain name as a password either.

- Do not use "4ufromme" or "n0t@home" as alternatives that look the same.

- Use the entire keyboard and concentrate on the less frequently used keys.

- Create unique passwords for each account. If you use the same password for all your accounts, it is possible that several accounts have been compromised at the same time.

- Never use an empty password.

Below you will find some examples of secure passwords:

!4scOrE&sDayNYeaRs ag0 is a mixture of several words that are not words themselves, interspersed with special characters. A word that contains the numbers of a memorable date (for example holiday -> 0vac2a0t9io19ln99).

Protect your passwords

In an ideal world, you would never write down your passwords, but with so many accounts, this is becoming increasingly difficult. If you must write them down, keep them in a safe or other secure place. Passwords on post-it notes are not a good idea! Don't share your passwords with anyone, not even friends and family. Instead of giving your password to someone who needs to use one of your accounts, log them in.

If you have not initiated the call, do not reveal your password over the phone. You could, for example, receive a call from your Internet service provider asking for your password. Ask for the phone number, then call back and reveal your password. Telephone calls are not considered secure. Online chats, emails and instant messaging are no better.

Passwords should be changed regularly. It is a good idea to change your password every 45 days. It is a bad security practice to use the same passwords for years. Make a note in your diary to remind yourself. Make it a regular thing. After a few months, you will realise that it has become a habit.

If you are using a public computer, avoid entering your password. Unfortunately, a large number of public computers have been hacked, exposing users to malicious keystroke detection software.