Tech Answers | September 21, 2023

Tech Answers: How Do I Remember All My Complicated Passwords?

Don’t let your complicated passwords go in one ear and out the other. Ā 

When it comes to cybersecurity, there are few nuggets of wisdom we hold quite as dear as ā€œuse complicated passwords.ā€ Our first line of defense against hackers,Ā passwords that are over 10 characters, mix character types (numbers, letters, symbols, etc.), don’t use common phrases, and aren’t repeated across multiple channels offer the best protection for your data.Ā 

The problemĀ isĀ passwordsĀ that fit this criterionĀ are alsoĀ reallyĀ hardĀ to remember;Ā Like – exceptionallyĀ so.Ā It’s aĀ classicĀ catch-22: great passwords are purposefully difficult to guess, but that also makes them difficult to use. What’s aĀ security-consciousĀ userĀ to do?Ā Ā 

Before you start making study guides,Ā the EMPIST team has a few insiderĀ tips that might help you keep track of yourĀ credentials:Ā Ā 

Create aĀ PasswordĀ SecretĀ Formula

Passwords areĀ atĀ their most secure when they’re single-use – meaning each password you create shouldĀ ideallyĀ only be used for one account.Ā Ā 

However, research from NordPass suggestsĀ that the averageĀ person hasĀ aboutĀ 100Ā passwordsĀ to remember at any given time.Ā That’sĀ aĀ hugeĀ number!Ā So,Ā while we’d love to be able toĀ wag our fingersĀ andĀ say,Ā ā€œjust commit them all to memory,ā€Ā memorization is simply no longerĀ a realisticĀ approach to password management.Ā Ā 

Instead, try creating your own ~complicated password secret formula~ for creating new logins. Ā 

For example, you can select a song you know. Then, pick a specific lyric or line from the song. Using the first letter of each of the words that make up that line, you can create the base of a few complicated passwords. Intersperse with capitalization, tack on a few random numbers and special characters, and voila – you’ve got a complex password. Ā 

In practice,Ā thisĀ processĀ canĀ look likeĀ this:Ā Ā 

Song:Ā ā€œShake It Offā€ – by Taylor SwiftĀ 

Lyric: ā€œCauseĀ the playersĀ gonnaĀ play, play, play, play, playā€Ā 

Password Base:Ā ctpgpppppĀ 

Capitalization:Ā ctPgPPppPĀ 

Finishing Touches: ctPgPPppP$57!6Ā 

For the next password, select a different line of the same song.Ā This methodology can be applied to books, poems, passages, or letters – anything you can use as a cryptic key that might help jogĀ your memory will do.Ā Ā 

And while, yes, admittedly this password process is alsoĀ difficult to remember, having a unique systemĀ keyĀ in placeĀ is at least somewhat easierĀ to recallĀ than a completely randomizedĀ option.Ā Ā 

Use an Online Password Management Tool

Alternatively, if creating your own passwords is too much to handle you can also opt for a password management tool.Ā Online options like LastPass,Ā Dashlane,Ā NordPass, and 1Password allow you to set one unique master password. Once you’ve logged in with this credential, your software will remember the rest of your passwords for you. It’s a ā€œone-password-to-rule-them-all” situation.Ā Ā 

With password management software, you can ensure that your master password is especially complex. After all, remembering one login is much easierĀ thanĀ one hundred.Ā Ā 

However, it is important to note that while some password managers offer a free option, to get the full benefits of the softwareĀ usuallyĀ requiresĀ a paid subscription.Ā Ā 

Password Best Practices

Sadly, there’s no one simple solution to remembering complex passwords. But thereĀ areĀ known best practices to the craft of password management.Ā Ā 

Some methodologies to keep in mind include:Ā 

  • Use Long PasswordsĀ 
  • Use Diverse CharactersĀ 
  • Stay AwayĀ fromĀ Common Phrases & Words (your dog’s name, your birthday,Ā etc.)Ā 
  • Enable Multi-Factor Authentication, When AvailableĀ 
  • Use Unique Passwords for Each AccountĀ 
  • Tell Your Password to No OneĀ 
  • Regularly Check Up on the Health & Safety of Your CredentialsĀ Ā 
  • Ensure Your Personal Accounts (Social Media, etc.) Are Also SecureĀ 

 

Overwhelmed at the thought of complex password management? We don’t blame you.Ā EMPIST can help manage your business’s cybersecurity for you. Contact us online to learnĀ more,Ā today!Ā Ā 

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