Think your password is safe because it’s your dog’s name followed by 1234? Think again! If you want to protect your business from sophisticated hackers lurking in the digital realm, you need a stronger safeguard.

Not taking your password seriously is the same as leaving your door wide open with a sign saying, “Come on in, cyber criminals!” Don’t worry, though – we’ve got you covered with simple tips to help you create a password that’ll stand up to even the craftiest hackers.

How do hackers crack passwords?

First off, let’s talk about how hackers break into accounts. Online criminals have a variety of techniques up their sleeves to guess your password:

  1. Brute-force attack: This basically involves a hacker trying every single combination until they crack it – a bit like you drunkenly trying to unlock your front door with every key on your keyring. It might take a while, but eventually, they’ll get in.
  2. Phishing: This is a sneaky trick where hackers pose as someone trustworthy – like your bank or a family member – to get you to hand over your password.

But, if your password is something easy to guess, like “password123” or your pet’s name, they may not even need to employ any back-handed tricks… because it’ll likely be their first guess. And with the stakes so high – think lost data, financial damage, and a major blow to your reputation – let’s make sure you’re not giving hackers a free pass, shall we?

7 tips for creating a strong password

1. Go long, go strong

Short and sweet just won’t cut it when it comes to your password. Aim for at least 12 characters – the more, the better. The longer your password, the harder it is for hackers to figure out.

2. Mix it up

Include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and those things we like to call “special characters.” For example, “S@f3p@ssw0r&!” is much stronger than “safepassword.”

3. Avoid common words

Don’t go for obvious words like “password” or number patterns like “1234.” These are the first guesses a would-be hacker will try.

4. Use passphrases

Want to inject a bit of fun into the process? Make up a sentence or phrase you’ll remember, like “SocksNeverMatch0nMondays2025” (This is just an example – don’t use that one!) Not only does this make it unique, it’s also harder to crack than just one word.

5. No reusing passwords

Don’t be shy, we know you’ve done it! Using the same password for multiple accounts is like locking all the doors to your business with the same key. If one account gets compromised, the rest are also at risk.

6. Regularly update your passwords

If you want your password to stay strong, keep it fresh. Make sure you change it regularly to stay ahead of potential hackers.

7. Turn on 2FA 

If you really want to make your password foolproof, enable two-factor authentication (2FA). It adds an extra layer of security – requesting a code sent to your phone or email in addition to your password. Think of it as double-bolting your door.

Are password generators safe?

Now, you might be thinking, “This sounds like a lot of effort!” Don’t worry – you don’t have to create your passwords manually. Password generators are a great option for coming up with complex and unique passwords. These tools use random algorithms to generate passwords that are nearly impossible to guess. Just make sure you’re using a reputable password manager or generator from a trusted source, like LastPass or Dashlane.

How reliable are password strength checkers? 

You’ve probably seen those password strength checkers that tell you how secure your password is. While they’re handy for a quick assessment, don’t rely on them too much. Some checkers might give you a green light even if your password’s still pretty weak. It’s always good to use your own judgement and follow the tips above.

How can password management tools help?

If you’re juggling multiple passwords (and let’s face it, who isn’t?), password managers are a lifesaver. These tools securely store your passwords and even generate strong ones for you. No more scribbling passwords on sticky notes or trying to remember them all. Plus, they offer encryption to keep your data safe. Popular options like Bitwarden, LastPass, and 1Password make password management easy, so you can focus on running your business without the stress.

Protect your business with secure passwords

There you have it – creating a strong password doesn’t have to be difficult, but it’s essential for keeping your business safe from hackers.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or need expert advice on securing your online business, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Fasthosts. We’re here to help you safeguard your data so you can focus on your business.