How to Remember Secure Passwords

Setting strong passwords is only half the story.

You also have to remember them.

Here are a few tips to help you recall strong passwords.

What Not to Do

Before we begin, here are a few things we never do:

• Write down passwords: Most environments are not secure enough for this.
• Reuse passwords: If one site is hacked, all of your accounts are fair game.
• Dumb down: Don’t simplify password to the point where they’re easy to guess.

The key is not to sacrifice security for convenience.

Password Repositories and Techniques

There are some very good, secure ways to store passwords and there’s a great way to ‘generate’ your own memorable, unique passwords.

•  LastPass is web-based service and browser add-on for Windows, Mac, Linux and most mobile devices. It automatically fills in usernames and passwords. LastPass is free for the basic service and $12 per year to add mobile support and remove ads.
•  KeePass and 1Password (for Windows and Mac respectively) make it easy to generate passwords and log into services. They have their own limitations, but are convenient.
•  By basing your password on the service that you are using, you only need to remember the method for creating the password, not the password itself. That means it’s easy to create a unique password for every site you visit and remember it.

Finding a Balance

Sadly, the most secure passwords are also the least usable.

The best approach is the one that works to your natural strengths, your own routines and your ability to remember what you’ve come up with.Keep up with posts like this by subscribing to our RSS feed, or following @WhoIsHosting on Twitter.