**Creating & Protecting Strong Passwords**

**What Makes a Password Strong?**
A password’s strength depends on how hard it is to guess or crack through brute-force attacks. Strong passwords are:
– Long (12+ characters recommended)
– Complex (mix of character types)
– Unpredictable (no personal info or common words)

**Building a Secure Password**
Follow these rules for better security:
– Mix uppercase and lowercase letters
– Include numbers and symbols
– Avoid personal information (names, birthdays)
– Don’t use common passwords (“password123”)
– Steer clear of company names or abbreviations
– Avoid predictable patterns (dates, phone numbers)

**Extra Security Measures**
– Use two-factor authentication when available
– Change passwords regularly
– Consider excluding confusing characters (like I, l, 1, O, 0) if they might cause login issues

**Protecting Your Passwords**
– Never share passwords with others
– Use unique passwords for different accounts
– Change passwords every few months
– Avoid saving passwords on public devices
– Don’t keep password lists in obvious places
– Consider using a password manager to handle multiple secure passwords

**Quick Security Checklist**
✓ Create long, complex passwords
✓ Use different passwords everywhere
✓ Enable two-factor authentication
✓ Update passwords regularly
✓ Never share your passwords
✓ Use a password manager for convenience

Remember: A strong password combined with good security habits provides the best protection for your accounts.