Why Passwords Are Getting Longer and How to Keep Your Accounts Secure

Account security is more important than ever in today’s digital age. With cyberattacks and data breaches on the rise, protecting your accounts starts with one key element: your password. But have you ever wondered why passwords are getting longer and how you can keep your accounts secure without driving yourself crazy? Here’s a breakdown of what’s happening and how you can stay ahead of the curve.

 

Why Are Passwords Getting Longer?

Passwords are a big part of keeping your online accounts safe, but have you noticed that websites are asking for longer passwords these days? That’s because hackers are getting better at figuring out short passwords. They use powerful tools that can try millions of guesses in just seconds.

 

Longer passwords—or even better, passphrases—are much harder to crack. A short password, like a six-character password, might take seconds to break, while a 14-character passphrase could take hundreds of years to figure out. This is why many accounts now recommend or require longer passwords.

 

How to Create a Strong Password or Passphrase

Creating a secure password doesn’t have to be hard. In fact, the best passwords are often the simplest to remember. Here are a few tips:

1. Use a Passphrase - Instead of a random letters and numbers, try a string of unrelated words. For example: BlueHorsePianoTree. This kind of passphrase is easier to remember and just as secure.
2. Mix It Up - Add uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. For example: Blue!Horse72Piano$Tree.
3. Avoid Easy Stuff - Don’t use personal information like your birthday, pet’s name, or common words like “password123”.
4. Make It Long – Try for at least 14 characters. Longer passwords are much safer.
5. Unique for Every Account - Never reuse passwords across accounts. If one account gets hacked, all your other accounts could be in danger.

 

The Benefits of Using a Password Manager

It can be overwhelming and hard to remember a lot of strong passwords, and that’s where a password manager can help. Here’s why it’s worth considering:

1. It Saves Your Passwords – You only have to remember one master password, and the manager stores the rest for you.
2. It Creates Strong Passwords – Most password managers can create long, hard-to-guess passwords for you.
3. It Makes Logging in Easy – With browser extensions or apps, password managers auto-fill your login details, saving you time.
4. It Works Everywhere – Most password managers work on your computer, phone, or tablet, so you can access your accounts securely anywhere.

 

Taking Charge of Your Account Security

Keeping your accounts safe is important. By using long, unique passwords or passphrases and getting help from a password manager, you can protect yourself from hackers.