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Password Security Best Practices

Your complete guide to creating, managing, and maintaining secure passwords for all your accounts.

Quick Security Checklist

1

Use Long Passwords (12+ Characters)

Length is the single most important factor in password security

Why it matters: Each additional character exponentially increases the time needed to crack a password. A 12-character password is trillions of times stronger than an 8-character one.

Minimum Length Recommendations:

General accounts (social media, shopping):12-16 characters
Important accounts (email, banking):16-20 characters
Master password (password manager):20+ characters

Pro Tip

Use passphrases (random words) to achieve length easily. "purple-elephant-telescope-coffee" is 34 characters and easy to remember!
2

Use Unique Passwords for Each Account

Never reuse passwords across different services

Why it matters: When one website is breached, attackers try those credentials on other sites. If you reuse passwords, a single breach compromises all your accounts.

The Domino Effect of Password Reuse:

ShoppingSite.com gets breached → your email and password are leaked
Attacker tries same email/password on Gmail → success!
Gmail access = password reset for banking, social media, everything
Result: Complete identity compromise from one breach

The Reality

Billions of credentials are leaked every year. It's not "if" a site you use will be breached, but "when." Unique passwords contain the damage to just one account.
3

Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Add a second layer of security beyond passwords

Why it matters: Even if your password is compromised, 2FA requires attackers to also have access to your phone, hardware key, or authenticator app.

Authenticator Apps (BEST)

Use apps like Google Authenticator, Authy, or Microsoft Authenticator

Pros: Works offline, more secure than SMS, free

Hardware Security Keys (MOST SECURE)

Physical keys like YubiKey or Google Titan

Pros: Phishing-proof, extremely secure, no batteries needed

SMS Text Messages (ACCEPTABLE)

Receive codes via text message

Pros: Easy to use, better than nothing
Cons: Vulnerable to SIM-swapping attacks

Priority Accounts for 2FA

Enable 2FA on: Email, Banking, Password Manager, Cloud Storage, Social Media, and any account containing sensitive information.
4

Use a Password Manager

Let software remember your strong, unique passwords

Why it matters: It's impossible for humans to remember dozens of unique, random 16+ character passwords. Password managers solve this by encrypting all your passwords behind one master password.

What Password Managers Do:

Generate strong random passwords automatically
Store all passwords encrypted with your master password
Auto-fill passwords when you log in to websites
Sync across all your devices securely
Alert you about weak, reused, or breached passwords
Popular Options:
  • • 1Password (paid, excellent UX)
  • • Bitwarden (free & open-source)
  • • Dashlane (paid, feature-rich)
  • • KeePass (free, local storage)
Master Password:

Choose a 20+ character passphrase that you'll never forget. This is the one password you must remember!

Important Note

Never store your master password anywhere digitally. Write it down and keep it in a secure physical location if needed.
5

Avoid Personal Information

Don't use names, dates, or information from social media

Why it matters: Attackers research targets on social media, public records, and data breaches. Personal information makes passwords easy to guess or brute force.

Never Use These in Passwords:

Your name or username
Family members' names
Pet names
Birthdates or anniversaries
Addresses or phone numbers
Favorite teams or hobbies
Company or school names
Dictionary words related to you

Social Media Warning

Attackers can find your pet's name, child's birthdate, favorite sports team, and hometown from your social media profiles. Use truly random passwords instead.
6

Regularly Check for Breached Passwords

Know when your passwords have been exposed in data breaches

Why it matters: Data breaches expose billions of passwords. If your password appears in a breach database, attackers will try it on other accounts.

How to Check:

Use PassCheck Pro (this site!) for privacy-first breach checking
Check your email on Have I Been Pwned
Enable breach monitoring in your password manager
Set up Google/Firefox breach alerts for your accounts

Check Your Passwords Now

PassCheck Pro includes privacy-first breach checking using k-anonymity

Test Your Passwords
7

Immediately Change Compromised Passwords

Act fast when you learn of a breach or suspicious activity

Why it matters: Time is critical. Once a password is compromised, attackers race to access as many accounts as possible before victims can change passwords.

When to Change Passwords Immediately:

Company announces a data breach affecting your account
You notice suspicious activity or unauthorized logins
Your password appears in breach databases
You've shared the password with someone (intentionally or accidentally)
You've used the password on an unsecured public computer or network

Action Steps

  1. 1. Change the compromised password immediately
  2. 2. Change passwords on any accounts where you reused that password
  3. 3. Enable 2FA if not already active
  4. 4. Review recent account activity for unauthorized access
  5. 5. Consider a password manager to prevent future reuse

Summary: The 7 Essential Practices

1
12+ character passwords
2
Unique for each account
3
Enable 2FA everywhere
4
Use password managers
5
No personal information
6
Check for breaches
7
Update compromised passwords

Following these practices protects you from 99% of password-related security threats. Start with the most important accounts and work your way through the rest.

Test Your Passwords Now

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