When it comes to protecting your personal information online, strong passwords are your first line of defense. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) offers clear, actionable advice to help you stay secure, and it all starts with smarter passwords.

Here are five simple steps to help you protect yourself:

1. Use Long Passwords
Aim for passwords that are at least 12 characters, but 16 or more is even better. The extra length makes your password significantly harder to crack.

2. Use Random Passwords
Avoid obvious choices like birthdays or pet names. Instead, go for completely random combinations:

Good: rw24av26hfb5j15z

Better: Wm!UkiQL8pFQ&2Sz

Best: wcK&J=KykEwu!ATHln)b=T0Im

3. Try a Passphrase
Passphrases are easier to remember and can be just as secure, if not more, than random strings. Combine 4–7 unrelated words and include symbols, numbers, and mixed-case letters:

Good: leftrepresentequatorbuilt

Better: Pizza-Elephant-Disagreement3

Best: Replace_Yesterday2_Substance_Final_Door

4. Use a Password Generator
Let technology do the hard work. A password generator can create strong, random passwords for you in seconds. Try 1Password’s Secure Password Generator or similar tools.

5. Use a Password Manager
You don’t have to remember every password—just one. A password manager stores all your passwords securely in an encrypted database, so you can easily access any password you need.

Cybersecurity doesn’t have to be complicated. These five simple steps can help you build better password habits and protect what matters most…your data. Stay smart. Stay secure.

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