The Importance of Strong Passwords

Defend Yourself: Build Stronger Passwords

Strong passwords (or passphrases) protect your money and personal information. Weak or reused passwords make it easy for attackers to get in — but strong ones keep you secure.

Quick Tips

• Use a passphrase: at least 12 characters, easy to remember, hard to guess
• Make every password unique
• Add capital letters, numbers, and symbols
• Avoid personal details like birthdays, names, or dictionary words
• Use a password manager to securely create and store strong passwords
• Turn on Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) whenever possible

Better Examples of Strong Passwords

Option 1: Random String
Harder to remember, but extremely strong:

• cXmnZK65rf*&DaaD
• Yuc8$RikA34%ZoPPao98t

Option 2: Passphrase (4–7 random words)
Easy to remember, but still very strong:

• Good: HorsePurpleHatRun
• Great: HorsePurpleHatRunBay
• Amazing: HorsePurpleHatRunBayLifting

Option 3: A Memorable Phrase With Extras
Take a sentence you can remember, and add numbers/symbols:

• MyFirstCarCost$800
• Summer2025RoadTrip!

Do and Don’t

Do:

• Create long, unique passphrases
• Change important passwords regularly
• Use biometrics when available (fingerprint or facial recognition on banking apps and devices)

Don’t:

• Reuse the same password across accounts
• Use “Password123,” your birthday, or your pet’s name

Add Layers of Protection

• Lock your devices with strong passcodes
• Enable MFA on email, banking, and social media
• Stay alert for phishing attempts

What to Do if Your Password Is Compromised

• Change it immediately on the affected account
• Update any other accounts where the same or similar password was used
• Enable MFA for stronger protection going forward
• Monitor your accounts for suspicious activity

Learn More

For more guidance, visit:

• CISA: Use Strong Passwords
• Stay Safe Online: Passwords