Safe passwords for beginners

In short: A good password is long (at least 12–16 characters), unique for each account and not guessable. A password manager remembers them for you.

In more detail: Attackers try words, names and birthdays first. Through data leaks many passwords are already public. If the same password is used everywhere, one leak opens all doors.

In Depth

• Length beats complexity: A phrase such as “Blue-Cat-drinks-Coffee-7” is strong and memorable.
• Do not use: 123456, “password”, names, birthdays, keyboard patterns.
• A new one for every account: Especially email and online banking.
• Password manager: Stores all passwords encrypted; you only remember one strong master password.
• Enable 2FA: Even with a stolen password the second factor is missing.
• Never share: Neither by email nor on the phone. Serious providers never ask for it.
• Check: Services like “Have I Been Pwned” show whether your address was in a data breach.

See also: Recognising phishing and scams, Online accounts and filling in forms