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How to up your password game

Date: 08 January 2024

2 minute read

Whilst you are making resolutions to get stronger in the gym, why not also commit to making your password game stronger too?

If you're like most people, you probably have a lot of online accounts – from social media to shopping and banking sites. Keeping track of all those passwords can be a hassle, and it's easy to fall into the trap of using simple or easily guessable passwords. However, using weak or reused passwords puts you at risk for identity theft and other cyber crime. That's where password managers and passphrases come in.

What are password managers and passphrases?


Password managers
are secure programs that store login information for all your online accounts in one place – even creating strong passwords for your accounts. All you have to remember is a single secure password to access your password manager, and the software will fill in the rest for you.

Passphrases (when a password manager is not possible) are long, easy-to-remember strings of words that can be used as an upgrade from weak passwords. Using three or more random works, they're harder to crack and easier to remember. For example, instead of using the password "P@ssw0rd," you could use a passphrase like "Cri5p burn:ng vagus_"

If you're ready to improve your online security, here are five tips from our IT security experts on getting started with a password manager or passphrases:

  1. Choose a reputable password manager or passphrase generator. Do your research and read reviews to find a product that meets your needs and is trusted by experts.
  2. Set up your password manager or passphrase generator. Follow the instructions provided to create your account and add your login information for your online accounts.
  3. Use strong and unique passwords. When setting up new accounts or updating your passwords, make sure to use strong and unique passphrases (or let your password manager do it for you).
  4. Avoid using personal information or easily guessable words.
  5. Make it a habit to use your password manager or passphrase every time you log in to an online account, rather than trying to remember multiple passwords.

By using a password manager or passphrases, you can improve your online security and protect your personal information from cyber threats. It may take some time to get into the habit, but the peace of mind and protection it provides is worth it.

Stay safe from scams

For more tips on how to stay safe online and from scams, visit our ‘Stay safe’ webpages.

Stay safe from scams