🔐 10 simple tips on how to keep your passwords secure

Whether it’s online banking, social media, or a company account: our passwords are the keys to a large part of our digital lives. And that’s exactly why cybercriminals are after them.

The good news: with just a few simple measures, you can greatly improve your password security – without having to be an IT expert.

Here are 10 tips you can put into practice right away – practical, clear, and effective.

1. Length beats complexity

A password with 12–16 characters or more is much safer than a short, complicated word. A sentence or a creative combination is often enough, as long as it’s long enough.

2. Variety makes the difference

Use uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. The more diverse the mix, the harder it is for attackers.

3. Avoid personal data

Birthdays, pet names, or favorite sports teams are easy to guess – especially if you’re active on social media. Choose something with no direct connection to you.

4. No password duplicates

Using the same password for multiple accounts is like having a master key for everything – convenient, but highly dangerous. If one account is hacked, all are at risk.

5. Use a password manager

No one can remember dozens of complex passwords. Password managers like Bitwarden, KeePass, or 1Password handle the job for you and store everything securely encrypted.

6. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA)

An extra safety net: even if someone knows your password, the second factor – such as a code via app or SMS – protects against unauthorized access.

7. Renew sensitive passwords occasionally

Email accounts, online banking, or company logins are especially critical. It’s worth changing these passwords regularly – especially if a data breach becomes known.

8. Beware of phishing

Many attacks start with emails that look deceptively real. Don’t click links blindly and only enter your login details on the genuine website – ideally by typing the address manually.

9. No sticky notes

Post-its on your monitor are a no-go. If you absolutely have to write down passwords, keep them safe – for example, in a locked cabinet, or better yet, directly in your password manager.

10. Pay attention to secure environments

Public Wi-Fi without protection is risky. Use VPN connections for sensitive logins and keep your devices up to date with software updates and antivirus protection.

Conclusion

Secure passwords aren’t rocket science – they just require a few simple rules. The most important are: long and unique passwords, a password manager, and two-factor authentication.

By following these basics, you’ll make life much harder for attackers and regain digital security.