Best Password Practices
Simple, evidence-based habits to keep your digital life secure.
1. Use Long, Unique Passwords
Length matters more than complexity. Aim for at least 16 characters—longer if possible. Each account should have its own password to prevent domino-effect breaches.
2. Prefer Passphrases Over Random Characters
Instead of “h!9R%2x”, try a phrase like coffee-sky-bridge-turtle. It’s easier to remember and still extremely difficult to guess.
3. Store Passwords Securely
Use a reputable password manager such as Bitwarden, 1Password, or KeePassXC. They encrypt your vault locally and reduce the temptation to reuse weak passwords.
Avoid storing passwords in browsers, text files, or cloud notes without encryption.
4. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
MFA adds an extra lock even if your password leaks. Use an authenticator app or hardware key (YubiKey, Titan, or SoloKey) instead of SMS where possible.
5. Watch for Breach Notifications
Check your email at Have I Been Pwned or use CyberLifeCoach’s Breach Exposure Lookup tool to see if your credentials have surfaced in known leaks. If so, change them immediately.
6. Understand Password Entropy
Entropy measures unpredictability. Each extra bit roughly doubles the work an attacker needs to crack your password. A 100-bit password could take billions of years to brute-force with current tech.
You can check entropy estimates directly in the Password Generator Tool.
7. Rotate Only When Necessary
Modern guidance (from NIST and CISA) discourages frequent forced password changes. Rotate only after a suspected compromise or if you shared access unintentionally.
8. Educate Family and Teams
Strong password habits work best when everyone follows them. Share this guide with family, colleagues, or small-business teams to build collective security awareness.
This page is provided for educational purposes only. CyberLifeCoach and its affiliates make no warranties regarding completeness or accuracy. You are responsible for implementing proper password hygiene and multi-factor authentication according to your own risk tolerance and organizational policy.