Passphrase Overview
Passwords can be difficult to remember, especially when you have many unique ones to match different password requirements. Instead of a password, you may consider using a passphrase.
A passphrase consists of four or more random words that create a password over 12 characters in length. It can even be a sentence, so long as it is somewhat random. Below are examples of a strong passphrase:
Ethel eats fresh fish
This passphrase is 20 characters long and contains uppercase, lowercase and special characters. Using current technology, this passphrase would take 2.4 x 1024 years to crack. If your password is stolen or compromised, you can simply modify a word(s) in the existing passphrase, as shown below, or create a new passphrase.
Ethel hates fresh fish
Tom watches fresh fish
Alex likes fresh vegetables
The permutations in using a passphrase are virtually endless and easier for most people to remember.
Best Practices
You should still keep in mind the following best practices:
Do not reuse passwords for important websites.
Do not use children or pet names.
Do not use music lyrics or other well-known phrases.
Do not reuse passwords that have been compromised.
Do not simply add or increase a number at the end of a password.
You should use a password manager for your passwords. Products like Lastpass, Dashlane, and 1Password all have free versions.
You should use two-factor or multi-factor authentication on any account that offers it. This is the best way to prevent your accounts from being misused, and it is increasingly available across wesbites including financial websites, social apps, and even gaming sites like Steam.