How to Create Strong Passwords

Lauren Hannula Managing Editor

Updated 14 December 2023

In this Guide

Create Strong Passwords
Securely Manage Your Passwords
Helpful Security Tips and Tools
Set up a Guest WiFi Network
Select a Secure Home Internet Plan

The steps to creating strong passwords include:

Using 13 or more characters that include symbols, numbers, as well as uppercase and lowercase letters
Using a password manager, enabling 2-factor authentication, and avoiding duplicate passwords
Setting up Guest WiFi access in your home
Signing up for an internet plan with added security features

We use the internet for everything from banking to connecting with our social networks and so much more on a daily basis. With all that private data out there, I think it's safe to say that most of us wouldn't be comfortable sharing all those digital details with our friends and family, let alone complete strangers.

Yet, when we don't practice basic password security, that's exactly what we're leaving our lives open to. And something tells me that if a stranger is trying to access your private data, they're not going to be careful with it. Read on to find out how to best secure your digital life.

Create Strong Passwords

Since you're reading this guide, it's pretty obvious that you realize there's the need to keep your passwords secure, so I won't mention that you shouldn't have a password like, "Password" or "1234567."

However, many people who want to create strong passwords don't realize that there are some simple rules to crafting something that isn't easily cracked. So let's get right into the rules. They're all are based on current hacking systems like dictionary attacks, brute force, rainbow tables, social engineering, and more.

Password Creation Rules

Use more than 8 characters—but 13+ is better
Do not use words commonly found in the dictionary
Whenever possible, break words up with a "-" (dash) or a "~" (tilde)
Use uppercase and lowercase letters
Use symbols
Use numbers

Sound hard? It shouldn't, just think of it as a secure "sentence" instead of a single pass "word."

As an example, consider the simple phrase, "This password is perfect." Next, translate it into a phrase comprised of words not commonly found in the dictionary like, "This tea is on fleek" and change it to, "D!5~t3@i5~0nf133k."

Don't worry, you don't have to suddenly become an expert in tween slang to create a secure password. In fact, it's better if you use your own, unique, phrases instead. Using this method is easy, secure, and if you're using a password manager (which I'll address shortly) you won't even have to memorize it.

Securely Manage Your Passwords

Many people don't even know that they can (and should) change their WiFi password. Below, you'll find the simple steps to changing your home WiFi password as well as a list of smart practices for changing other account passwords.

Changing Your WiFi Password

Log into your internet provider account
Locate your Gateway IP or Wireless Gateway
Select "Change WiFi Settings"
Enter your new password and select "Save"
Allow the system to update your password, it could take a couple minutes
Reconnect your wireless devices, using your new password

Password Account Tips

Use a (very secure) email account which is designated to account security.
Always use 2-Factor Authentication, ensure that the phone number you use isn't connected to any other devices.
Do not give simple answers to your security questions, to avoid a social engineering hack.
Never use duplicate passwords. If one site's encryption gets hacked, then you'll want to ensure that only that account is compromised.

Tools That Simplify Password Security

Below you'll find a list of all the tools you'll need to simplify your password security process. Regardless of whether you're protecting your Netflix account or all of your financial data, developing and using a standard protocol for password security is wise.

Password Manager

A password manager does exactly what it says it'll do, it'll manage your passwords for you. Ideally, they say that when you use one, you'll only need to remember the password to your chosen app and that's it—but I disagree.

In reality, you should only use the password manager if and only if you've properly handled the account which grants remote access to your apps is secure, too.

For example, if you have an iPhone and use "KeePass," but your AppleID is compromised, someone can gain access to the data within the app. This is why I mentioned earlier that you'll need a dedicated email address that handles account security alone. No one should know about this email account.

Pros:

Requires you to remember fewer passwords
Increases the security of your accounts
Can automatically generate complex passwords for you

Cons:

If you lose the password to the manager, you might lose access to your accounts
It requires you to be more diligent about the security of the few passwords you do need to remember

Helpful Online Safety Tips

VPN: Whether you're connecting from home or an internet cafe, use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) every single time.; Not only does this create a safe and encrypted connection over whatever network you're connecting from, but it prevents hackers from identifying your device and tunneling into your connection (appropriately called "the man in the middle hack") which they use to steal your data. This way, even if your WiFi connection is compromised, you've created an additional layer of protection.
Integration: Keep in mind that the integration of deices could simplify your life, but it can also make a single hack much more devastating. Think twice before you integrate access to your phone onto your computer and ensure that you monitor cloud accounts that have backdoor access to your private data.
Do Not Duplicate: It might seem easier to duplicate your passwords, but if you do and a site's encryption is cracked, the person who sees your information can (potentially) see your username, security questions' answers, and your password in plain text.

Set up a Guest WiFi in Your Home

Whether you're ready for it or not, eventually someone that isn't an immediate family member will ask you for your home WiFi password. If you're concerned about your security, you might be tempted to turn them down, but don't do that. Just create a Guest WiFi Network.

Creating a Guest WiFi Network

Log in to your provider account
Find "Add WiFi Network"
Select the "Guest" network type
Name your guest network something that isn't obviously less secure
Create a password that is not easy for outsiders to guess, but also not connected to your own "real" passwords (do not leave your network "Open")
Select "Save" and "On" so your guests can connect

Selecting a Secure Home Internet Plan

Now that you know how to create (and store) strong passwords, it's time to pick a secure home internet plan. Xfinity by Comcast comes with Constant Guard, Spectrum includes Security Suite, and AT&T comes with its own Security Suite, too. For even more internet options, see below.

#1	WOW!	WOW! Internet 300 Cable 300/20 Mbps Unlimited Data $20/mo with AutoPay + $10 Upfront with AutoPay View Plan	$20/mo with AutoPay + $10 Upfront with AutoPay	View Plan
#2	Breezeline	Breezeline Internet 100 Cable 100/10 Mbps Unlimited Data $20/mo for 24 months then $45.00/month. Includes $10/mo EcoSave/ AutoPay discount. for 24 months then $45.00/month. Includes $10/mo EcoSave/ AutoPay discount. View Plan	$20/mo for 24 months then $45.00/month. Includes $10/mo EcoSave/ AutoPay discount. for 24 months then $45.00/month. Includes $10/mo EcoSave/ AutoPay discount.	View Plan
#3	Kinetic	Kinetic 100 Mbps Fiber 100/100 Mbps Unlimited Data $24.99/mo for 12 months. This advertised price includes a $5.00 credit for AutoPay enrollment. for 12 months. This advertised price includes a $5.00 credit for AutoPay enrollment. View Plan	$24.99/mo for 12 months. This advertised price includes a $5.00 credit for AutoPay enrollment. for 12 months. This advertised price includes a $5.00 credit for AutoPay enrollment.	View Plan
#4	Optimum	Optimum 300 Mbps Internet Cable 300/300 Mbps Unlimited Data $25/mo with $10/month eligible Auto Pay & Paperless Bill. Wired connection. WiFi speeds may vary. Not available in all areas. with $10/month eligible Auto Pay & Paperless Bill. Wired connection. WiFi speeds may vary. Not available in all areas. View Plan	$25/mo with $10/month eligible Auto Pay & Paperless Bill. Wired connection. WiFi speeds may vary. Not available in all areas. with $10/month eligible Auto Pay & Paperless Bill. Wired connection. WiFi speeds may vary. Not available in all areas.	View Plan
#5	Mercury Broadband	Mercury Broadband Mercury Foundation Fixed Wireless 30/10 Mbps Unlimited Data Contract (24 mths) $25/mo with AutoPay + $45 Upfront with AutoPay View Plan	$25/mo with AutoPay + $45 Upfront with AutoPay	View Plan
#6	Frontier	Frontier Fiber 500 Internet Fiber 500/500 Mbps Unlimited Data $29.99/mo with AutoPay with AutoPay View Plan	$29.99/mo with AutoPay with AutoPay	View Plan
#7	Brightspeed	Brightspeed 200 Mbps Fiber 200/200 Mbps Unlimited Data $29.99/mo Limited availability/areas. Taxes and fees extra. Autopay required. Pricing Subject to change. Limited availability/areas. Taxes and fees extra. Autopay required. Pricing Subject to change. View Plan	$29.99/mo Limited availability/areas. Taxes and fees extra. Autopay required. Pricing Subject to change. Limited availability/areas. Taxes and fees extra. Autopay required. Pricing Subject to change.	View Plan
#8	Astound	Astound 300 Mbps Internet Fiber 300/20 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Get one line of Unlimited Mobile FREE for 12 months $30/mo Observed speeds may vary \| One-time fees extra \| Restrictions apply \| Not available in all areas \| New residential customers only + $14.99 Upfront Observed speeds may vary \| One-time fees extra \| Restrictions apply \| Not available in all areas \| New residential customers only View Plan	$30/mo Observed speeds may vary \| One-time fees extra \| Restrictions apply \| Not available in all areas \| New residential customers only + $14.99 Upfront Observed speeds may vary \| One-time fees extra \| Restrictions apply \| Not available in all areas \| New residential customers only	View Plan
#9	Fidium	Fidium 300M Fiber 300/300 Mbps Unlimited Data $30/mo With AutoPay. Available in select locations. + $199 Upfront With AutoPay. Available in select locations. View Plan	$30/mo With AutoPay. Available in select locations. + $199 Upfront With AutoPay. Available in select locations.	View Plan
#10	Armstrong	Armstrong Zoom Express Cable 25/4 Mbps Unlimited Data $34.95/mo Available in select locations Available in select locations View Plan	$34.95/mo Available in select locations Available in select locations	View Plan

Lauren Hannula

Managing Editor

Lauren is WhistleOut's Managing Editor. With over 14 years of digital writing and publishing experience, she's developed a passion for breaking down overly complex topics to offer easy, affordable solutions that help make the most of the tech you already have in your pocket. Her work has appeared in industry stalwarts such as CNET, Yahoo! News, and Forbes.

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