As our online lives expand, the average user has gone from having just a few passwords to now managing upwards of 100. That’s 100 unique passwords to remember, if you’re using strong password habits. Password managers can save users the trouble of having to remember multiple passwords and make accounts safer by recommending strong, unique passwords and storing them all in one place.

Using an easy-to-guess password is like locking the door but leaving the key in the lock. Weak passwords can quickly be cracked by computer hackers. The good news is that strong passwords are one of the easiest ways to protect your accounts from compromise and reduce the risk of someone stealing sensitive information, data, money or even your identity.

Strengthen Your Passwords with These Tips

Longer is stronger: Passwords with at least 16 characters are hardest to crack.

Hard to guess: Use a random string of mixed-case letters, numbers and symbols. If you need to memorize a password, create a memorable “passphrase” of 5 – 7 unrelated words. Get creative with spelling and/or add numbers or symbols

One of a kind: Use a unique password for each account.

According to the National Cybersecurity Alliance (NCA), only 33% of individuals create unique passwords for all accounts and only 18% of individuals have downloaded a password manager. Don’t be one of them.

rAVe [PUBS] will be posting about Cybersecurity Awareness Month throughout October. Click here to read more stories about the themed month.