Seconds to Crack: Master the Art of Strong Passwords

Newsletter Topics: How Fast Can Hackers Crack Your Passwords and The Art of Creating Strong Passwords

🗞️ In the News: Did you know an eight-digit password could be cracked by brute force in under a minute? The time it takes for a hacker to crack a password depends on several factors, such as the complexity of the password, the method used, and the resources available to the hacker. Below is a reference for cracking times, and a reminder to use strong passwords.

👀 Today’s Focus: The Art of Strong Passwords

First, what is a Strong Password? A Strong Password:

1. Must have at least 12 characters, and at Grandpa Got Hacked, we recommend at least 16 characters. This recommendation aligns with CISA’s guidelines (America’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency).

   • Banks and common services such as Amazon and Netflix commonly allow passwords that are 16 to 20 characters long. In the realm of passwords, more characters and unique combinations generally lead to better security.

2. Includes a combination of numbers, lowercase and uppercase letters, and symbols.

3. Should not include commonly used words. For instance, an 11-character password like 'password123,' which is commonly used, can be cracked in seconds.

4. Should not include anyone's Social Security number, name, birthday, or other personal information.

5. Should not consist of 3 or more sequential letters, numbers, or keyboard patterns (Example: 'QWERTY').

Secondly, how do you remember a 16-character strong password? That’s where the Grankid Tips come in.

😎 Grandkid Tip of the Day:  To remember a password, make it memorable!

1. Use a passphrase: Instead of a random set of characters, think of a memorable passphrase that is easier to remember and long. For Example:

   • Passphrase

   • Replace the vowels with numbers and symbols: M1F4m1l1L0v6sD3st1n

   • Be consistent with the numbers and symbols you use to replace the vowels.

2. Acronyms: Create an acronym from your memorable passphrase and add to it. For Example:

   • Passphrase: My Family Loves to Vacation in Destin Florida every December

   • Use the first letter in each word: MFltViDFeD

   • Replace the vowels with numbers and symbols: MFltV1DF3D

3. Use a password manager: If you struggle to remember passwords, consider using a trusted password manager. It can create and store strong passwords, so you only need to remember a single master password.

   Even with a strong password, adding an extra layer of security through two-factor authentication (2FA) can provide further protection for your accounts. Stay tuned for more on this topic in next week's newsletter.

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