Six checks you must make before creating any password to avoid bank-emptying hack and clever brain trick is essential
MAKE six simple checks every single time you create a password.
That's the official advice from security experts who say the rules could save you from a bank-emptying hack attack.
Passwords are the entryway to your most sensitive information.
It's likely that almost every app and service you've ever used has been tied to a password.
Apple and Google are working to phase them out with new Passkey replacements – but not every app supports those yet.
In the meantime, cyber-experts at Keeper Security have revealed six rules to follow whenever you're creating a password.
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Don't just follow these rules when making new passwords either – make the checks on your existing log-ins too.
Updating old passwords to be stronger is a great way to keep your accounts safe.
Six checks you must make
The first rule is to make sure to use a combination of upper and lowercase letters.
It's substantially easier to "crack" a password if it only uses lowercase letters.
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Secondly, never include personal data like your birthday, street address, and certainly not your name.
Thirdly, ensure that every password has at least 12 characters.
That will significantly increase the length of time it would take a hacker to crack your log-in.
Fourthly, include symbols whenever you can.
Not all services allow this, but if you can add it question marks, exclamation marks, hash symbols and slashes, your password will be far safer.
The fifth rule is to ensure that you're using varied and non-sequential numbers.
So rather than having 1234 at the end of your password, mix them in and use a random order.
Sixth and finally, avoid where possible using words in the dictionary in your password.
Use a brain trick
One clever option is to use a memory trick to help you remember long and complicated passwords.
"Create passwords inspired by events notable to you," explained Keeper Security's Aranza Trevino.
"For example, a Cubs fan will remember a win against the White Sox.
"So, 'My best moment is watching Billy Hamilton steal home and hit a home run in 2020' becomes mBMiWbhSH@HAhRI2020."
You can also use passphrases as an alternative that may be easier to remember.
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"A sequence of words or longer text strings is more secure than a single phrase," Aranza explained.
"For Todd, who likes pancakes, a passphrase can become +0DD|iK3SPa^cAk3S."