How do you create a truly secure password?
Establishing a secure password
Many services already define minimum requirements, such as a certain length or the use of uppercase and lowercase letters. Ideally, a strong password should meet the following criteria:
- At least 8 characters long
- Combine upper and lower case letters
- Include numbers
- Use special characters
Easy to remember, yet secure
Complex password rules often seem intimidating. But with a simple trick, you can create strong and memorable passwords: Use a personal sentence and take the first letters and numbers from it.
Example: Moritz has 2 children, 1 dog, and 2 cats. → Mh2c,1d&2c
A password that is hard to guess but easy to remember.
Essential tips for handling passwords securely
Since we all have numerous accounts — from online shops to social networks to banking — responsible password management is crucial. We recommend:
Never write down passwords
No sticky notes, no notes on the monitor. The risk is enormous.
Encrypt instead of storing in plain text
Passwords should never be saved unencrypted. Better: use a secure password manager.
Exclude sharing login details
Legitimate companies — especially banks — will never ask for your password.
Ensure smart choices for security questions
Answers should not be publicly searchable, e.g., via social media.
Eliminate names or dictionary words
Even reversed words or foreign-language terms are insecure. “Password” remains one of the most common (and worst) passwords every year.
Employ a unique password for every service
This limits the damage if one password is compromised.
