Tips

5 Tips for Creating Stronger Passwords

Simple, actionable tips to improve your password security and protect your online accounts from hackers.

SafeVault Team2025-03-102 min read

Why Strong Passwords Matter

Weak passwords are the number one cause of account breaches. Here are five simple tips to dramatically improve your password security.

1. Use at Least 16 Characters

Longer passwords are exponentially harder to crack. Aim for at least 16 characters. A passphrase like "correct-horse-battery-staple" is both strong and memorable.

2. Mix Character Types

Include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. The more variety, the harder it is for attackers to guess.

3. Never Reuse Passwords

If one account gets breached and you've reused that password, attackers can access all your other accounts. Every account should have a unique password.

4. Avoid Personal Information

Don't use birthdays, pet names, addresses, or other personal information. This data is often publicly available or easy to guess.

5. Use a Password Manager

The best way to follow all these rules is to use a password manager like SafeVault. It generates, stores, and autofills strong, unique passwords for every account.

Bonus: Enable Two-Factor Authentication

Whenever possible, enable 2FA on your accounts. Even if someone guesses your password, they won't be able to log in without the second factor.

SafeVault includes a built-in TOTP authenticator in our Pro plan, so you can manage both passwords and 2FA codes in one place.