10 Best Practices for Password Management

1. Use Browser Password Managers (Chrome/ Safari)

One of the simplest and most secure ways to manage your passwords is by utilizing the password managers built into your browser. Google Chrome and Safari have excellent password management features that automatically suggest strong passwords when creating accounts and securely store them. These password managers are synced with your Google or Apple account, making it easy to access your passwords across devices.

2. Avoid Confusing Similar-Looking Characters

When choosing passwords, avoid characters that look similar, especially when using lowercase and uppercase letters. For example:

i, I, l can be easily confused.
o, O, 0 can also create confusion.
Avoid Special Characters Like ", `, '

While these characters may seem like a good way to increase password complexity, they can cause problems later when trying to remember or type the password.
Special characters such as quotes (`"`, `'`) can create issues down the line, especially when entering passwords into different systems or apps. These characters can be difficult to spot or interpret correctly in various environments. To ensure hassle-free password management, avoid using such special characters in your passwords.

3. Use a Strong, Random Password Generator

One of the best ways to ensure your passwords are both strong and secure is by using a password generator. Our Secure Password Generator tool allows you to create unique, complex passwords that include a mix of numbers, special characters, uppercase, and lowercase letters. Simply choose your criteria, and let the tool generate a secure password for you.

4. Avoid Using Basic Exploitable Patterns

Do not use easily guessable patterns like:

Sequences such as 123, abc, or qwerty.
Your first, middle, or last name, or any common name (e.g., "John123").
Variations of your email address or phone number.

Hackers often try these patterns during brute-force attacks, so create truly random and unique passwords to avoid falling victim to such tactics.

5. Keep Your Passwords in a Secure Place

Don't write your passwords on sticky notes or leave them lying around where others can see them. Store your passwords in a secure location such as a password manager or an encrypted file. If you prefer physical storage, consider using a personal diary that is locked and kept in a safe place.

6. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Enabling Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) provides an additional layer of security to your accounts. Even if someone manages to get hold of your password, they won’t be able to access your account without the second authentication step, which could be a code sent to your phone or an authentication app.

7. Use Passkeys for Better Security

Passkeys are a new form of authentication that eliminates the need for passwords altogether. With passkeys, you rely on cryptographic keys stored on your device for authentication, making it much more secure than traditional passwords.

8. Use an Authenticator App Where Available

Many online services now support authenticator apps such as Google Authenticator or Authy. These apps generate time-sensitive codes that you use for 2FA, adding an extra layer of security to your accounts.

9. Regularly Update Your Passwords

It's essential to periodically change your passwords to prevent unauthorized access. While it’s not always necessary to change them every month, doing so every 3–6 months for sensitive accounts can keep your information safe.

10. Don't Use the Same Password Across Multiple Accounts

Using the same password across multiple sites increases the risk of a security breach. Use a unique password for each account, and if remembering them is challenging, a password manager can help.