Defend your data with strong passwords

Let’s be honest—passwords are a pain. We all know we need strong ones, but between juggling work, social media, and that random streaming service you signed up for to watch a new movie, it’s tempting to stick with “Password123.” Spoiler alert: hackers love that.
 
The good news? You can keep your data safe without memorizing a 64-character string of hieroglyphics. Read on to learn how it works.
 

Why should you care?

Hackers aren’t sitting in dark basements typing passwords one by one—they’ve got supercharged tools that can guess weak passwords in seconds. If your password is short, predictable, or reused, you’re basically leaving the door wide open with a neon sign that says, “Come on in!”
 

The secret for strong passwords

Think of your password like a burrito: the more layers, the better. Here’s what to wrap in:
  • Go big or go home – At least 12 characters. More is better. Short passwords = easy prey.
  • Mix It like a DJ – Combine uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols. Example: Taco!Tuesday@4Ever
  • Avoid the obvious – No birthdays, pet names, or “password.” Seriously.
  • Passphrases are your friend – Use a sentence or phrase that makes sense to you but looks like gibberish to everyone else. Example: PurpleCloudsDance@Midnight
 

Tools that make life easier

Managing strong passwords doesn’t have to be a brain workout. Try these:
  • Password managers – Store your passwords securely and generate strong ones for you.
  • Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) – Add an extra lock on the door. Even if someone cracks your password, MFA stops them cold.
 

Quick steps you can take today

  • Download a password manager.
  • Audit your passwords. If you’re using “123456,” we need to talk.
  • Turn on MFA for your most important accounts.
  • Make updating passwords a habit—like flossing, but less annoying.
 

Bottom line

Your password is your digital house key. Don’t leave it under the mat. Build strong passwords, use smart tools, and keep hackers guessing.