Create a Strong Password

In the modern day and age, passwords are necessary. Passwords are used in anything from logging into streaming services to your banking information. At SMP Hawaii, we want to help you keep your accounts secure by creating a strong password.

What Makes a Strong Password?

1. Length

• A minimum of 12 characters – ideally 16 characters or longer
• The longer, the stronger!

2. Complexity

• Use a combination of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols
• Avoid personal info like names, birthdays, pets, etc.
• Tip: Create a memorable sentence
• Example: “Go to Japan for vacation” → G0ToJ@pan4Vacat!on

Common symbol substitutions:

• @ = a, A, at
• & = and
• 0 = o, O
• 3 = e, E
• $ = 5, S, s
• 8 = b, B, ate (e.g., great → gr8)

3. Uniqueness

• Use different passwords for each account
• Example passwords:
  • Bank: G0ToJ@pan4Vacat!on
  • Email: $pam&R!ceIsYummy
  • Social Media: IL!keSurffing%With^My*Friends12

Strong Password Examples

• El@phantPurpl3RunD0orTr33 – Long, complex, and uses passphrase method
• 3ur0pe4$ummerV@cation – Strong use of symbols and length
• MjnwIps&bicw#16! – Uses mnemonic: “My jersey number when I played soccer and basketball in college was number 16!”

Weak Password Examples

• JaneDoe1948 – Personal info, easily guessed
• Password123 – Predictable, lacks complexity
• abc123 – Short, basic, insecure

Securing Your Passwords

• Never share your password
• Don’t enter passwords via links in emails or phone calls
• Avoid public Wi-Fi when accessing sensitive accounts
• Don’t discuss or show passwords in public places

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Think of your account like your house. Your password is the first lock. MFA adds extra locks for more protection. Common MFA types include:

• Codes sent to your email or phone
• One-time passwords (OTP)
• Authenticator apps
• Security questions

Never share your MFA codes with others!

Managing Passwords

Use a password manager—like a digital key ring. Popular options:

• Google Password Manager
• 1Password
• iPhone Password App
• Bitwarden
• Dashlane
• NordPass

Caution: Password managers are also password-protected. Use a strong master password!

Writing Down Passwords

• OK: In a secure notebook stored safely
• Not OK: On a sticky note near your computer

More from SMP Hawaii

• How to recognize and avoid password scams
• What to do if your password is stolen
• How to reset a forgotten or stolen password

Resources

• CISA.gov
• Microsoft
• UC Santa Barbara
• Santa Fe College
• Western Michigan University
• Incognia
• Frontegg
• Wired

This project was supported by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $320,449 with 100% funding by ACL/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by, ACL/HHS or the U.S. Government.