What Makes a Good Password (And Why It Matters)

Many of us feel a creeping discomfort when asked to update a password. It’s not that we don’t understand the need—it’s that the whole business can feel tedious, overwhelming, or downright confusing. What counts as a “strong” password these days? And how on earth are we supposed to remember them all? For some, it’s easier to just stick with one reliable password for everything—even if we’ve been warned it’s not the best idea.

Just like wearing a seatbelt or locking the front door at night, creating good passwords is a small act of protection with big consequences. In today’s digital world, a strong password isn’t just a techy precaution—it’s a safeguard for our money, our privacy, and our peace of mind.

Why It Matters

Our lives are increasingly online. From banking to booking travel, keeping in touch with friends to ordering groceries, so much of what we do now requires a login. Each of those logins is a potential doorway for someone else to try to get in.

Cybercriminals don’t need to know you personally to do real damage. If they can guess your password, they can impersonate you, steal from you, or access sensitive information—sometimes without you even knowing until it’s too late.

However, here’s the good news: the single best thing you can do to protect yourself is also one of the simplest—create strong, unique passwords.

Acknowledge the Challenge

We’re not pretending it’s easy. Remembering dozens of complicated logins and passwords is a big ask—especially when our minds are already busy keeping track of birthdays, appointments, and whether the oven was turned off.

But just like we learned to check smoke alarms or memorise an emergency contact, creating and using good passwords is a skill we can master with a few smart habits. You don’t need to be tech-savvy—just willing to make a few changes.

So What Makes a Good Password?

A strong password is:

• Long: Aim for at least 12 characters.

• Unpredictable: No names, birthdays, pet names, or simple patterns (like “123456” or “password1”).

• Unique: Every account should have its own password. If one gets compromised, the others remain safe.

• Mixed: Use a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.

That might sound daunting—but it doesn’t have to be. Try this approach: a passphrase. Instead of a single word, think of a sentence or phrase you’ll remember and turn it into a password. For example:

“My first dog was called Rufus in 1965!” → M1stdogwRufus!1965

“I make the best spaghetti on Sundays at 5pm!” → Im@kebestSpaghettiSundays@5

“My grandson Jack was born in March 2012.” → Gr@ndJack03!2012

“Coffee first thing, always two sugars!” → C0ffee1st!2Sugars

It’s memorable, long, and complex enough to be secure.

Re-frame the Game!

If remembering lots of passwords feels like juggling flaming torches, you’re not alone. There are helpful tools available, however—many of which are free. Password managers can securely store all your passwords in one place, so you only need to remember a single strong master password. These tools can even suggest strong new passwords when you sign up for something new.

If you’re wary of relying on a tool you don’t fully understand, try a middle-ground option. Write your passwords down by hand and store them somewhere safe in your home—just not taped to the side of your computer! A locked drawer or personal safe can be just as useful as a digital vault, especially if you’re not sharing your space with others.

A Little Extra Protection

Whenever possible, turn on two-factor authentication (2FA). This means you’ll enter your password and confirm your identity another way—like typing in a code sent to your phone. It’s a bit of extra effort, but it makes your accounts dramatically more secure.

Keep It in Perspective

Yes, there are risks online—but the point is not to be frightened. It’s to be prepared. Much like ageing itself, online safety is about adjusting to the realities of a changing world. We can’t stop those changes, but we can meet them with awareness and confidence.

Strong passwords won’t solve every problem—but they can prevent many. Peace of mind knowing your digital door is firmly locked is worth the few minutes it takes to create them.

So next time your computer prompts you to update your login details, don’t sigh—smile. You’re not being pestered by technology, you’re taking another small step to protect what matters most.