The Complete Password Security & Management Guide

Even major corporations suffer data breaches. You can't control server-side security, but you can ensure your own password habits are strong enough to minimize the impact when breaches occur.

When hackers obtain credentials from one site, they automatically attempt to log in to other services. If you reuse passwords across sites, one breach compromises everything.

Modern computers can test billions of password combinations in very short timeframes. Simple passwords like '123456' or 'password' can be cracked instantly.

Attackers may guess your password using publicly available information like birthdays, pet names, or school names. Using personal information as passwords is a common vulnerability.

Password length matters more than complexity. Aim for at least 12 characters; 16+ is even better. Each additional character increases cracking difficulty exponentially.

Combine 4-6 random words into a phrase. For example: correct-horse-battery-staple. It's long, memorable, and very hard to crack. Add numbers and symbols for extra strength.

Don't use keyboard patterns (qwerty), sequential numbers (123456), or common substitutions (p@ssw0rd). Hacker dictionary tools already include all of these.

The most important rule: use a different password for every website and service. This way, if one account is compromised, the others remain safe.

Your password manager's master password is the only one you need to remember. Make it a strong, unique passphrase - it protects everything else.

Use your password manager's random password generator to create unique, high-strength passwords for every account. No need to think of them yourself.

Choose a password manager that supports all your devices, ensuring your phone, computer, and tablet can all access your passwords.

Set up emergency contacts so trusted individuals can access your vault after a waiting period if you become unable to access your accounts.

Apps like Google Authenticator, Authy, or 2FAS generate time-based one-time codes that refresh every 30 seconds. Secure and independent of phone numbers.

Physical devices like YubiKey or Google Titan. Plug into your computer or tap against your phone to verify. Best phishing protection, but requires purchase.

Receive codes via text message. Better than nothing, but vulnerable to SIM swap attacks. Use TOTP when other options are available.

Some services (Google, Microsoft) support phone push notifications for approval. Convenient but requires internet connection.

Fake login pages that mimic banks, social networks, etc. to trick you into entering credentials. Prevention: verify URLs carefully, don't click suspicious links, use a password manager (it won't auto-fill on fake sites).

Malware that records your keystrokes to capture passwords. Prevention: install reputable antivirus software, don't download from unknown sources, use password manager auto-fill (bypasses keyboard input).

Intercepting data on unsecured networks like public Wi-Fi. Prevention: avoid logging into important accounts on public Wi-Fi, use a VPN for encrypted connections, verify sites use HTTPS.

Attackers pose as customer service or friends to extract passwords or verification codes through conversation. Prevention: no legitimate service will ever ask for your password; never share verification codes with anyone.

Testing common passwords against large numbers of accounts. Prevention: avoid common passwords, enable account lockout features, use 2FA.

Use Have I Been Pwned to check if your email appears in breach databases. Most password managers also include built-in breach monitoring features.

Compile a list of all your online accounts. Delete unused ones, update passwords for important ones, and ensure every account has a unique password.

Important accounts (Google, Apple ID, social media) all provide login activity logs. Regularly check for logins from unknown devices or locations.

Ensure your account recovery email and phone number are current. Check that security question answers are still valid.

Audit third-party apps connected via Google/Apple/Facebook login. Remove apps you no longer use or trust.

Download and set up Bitwarden or another password manager. Create a strong master passphrase. This is the most important first step.

Immediately change your primary email password to a strong one and enable 2FA. Your email is the recovery channel for all other accounts - protecting it protects everything.

Change passwords for banking, investment, and payment platform accounts. Enable 2FA on all of them.

Each time you log into a website, take the opportunity to update the password to one generated by your password manager. No need to do it all at once.

Print or write down all 2FA recovery codes and store them in a physically secure location (like a safe). These are your last resort for account access.