How to Create Hack-Proof Passwords
Last updated on Nov 6, 2024
To create a hack-proof password, prioritize length (at least 14 characters) and total uniqueness for every account. While password managers are helpful, they aren’t foolproof; true security comes from creating memorable, complex phrases and changing your passwords annually to stay ahead of dark web leaks and brute-force cracking tools.
Think of your passwords as the only thing standing between a hacker and your entire life—your bank, retirement, and even your medical info. Since they’re so vital, why not learn to make ones that actually work?
A great password needs to be long, unique to every account, and easy to remember so you can actually change it.
Why the “Coma Method”?
Forget password managers for a second—many have been breached, and a “random” password won’t help if it’s stolen and never changed. We recommend updating your passwords at least once a year using the TechBldrs Method: pick “three things you’d remember even after a coma.” It’s the perfect way to stay secure without losing your mind.
Or the “3 Things You’ll Remember After a Coma” Method
Imagine your password is like the key to your front door. If it’s super easy (like your dog’s name), a thief can easily guess it and get into your house. By 2024, hackers got hold of over 24 billion accounts and passwords. With around 5.4 billion people using the internet every day, that’s almost 5 accounts for every internet user!
Hackers don’t bother guessing passwords unless they’re easy. They just look them up from the darkweb. If you use the same password for many accounts, no matter how clever you think it is, it can always be stolen.
Even using password-manager programs aren’t foolproof. Almost all of them have been hacked and they lull you into a false sense of security. And they miss the most important thing about keeping you safe.
Security comes from changing your password.
Here’s what makes a password strong:
Length: The Center for Internet Security (CIS) says your password should be at least 14 characters long. Computers are getting fasted and can crack an 8-character password in under a second!
Uniqueness: Your password should be different for every account. That just killed the “use the 1st character from a phrase” method.
Remembering: You need to remember all your passwords. If you keep your password manager app on your phone, what are you going to do when you lose your phone?
Annual Changes: Change your password once a year. This helps keep your accounts secure. NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) also recommends this because people often make bad choices when changing passwords frequently, like going from “purplezebra1” to “purplezebra2”.
Watch the video for our simple to use, easy to remember and highly secure method.