How to Create Strong Passwords You Can Remember

We all know we need strong passwords, but random strings like "Xk9#mP2$vL" are impossible to remember. Here's how to create passwords that are both secure AND memorable.

What Makes a Password Strong?

• Length: At least 12 characters (16+ is better)
• Complexity: Mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, symbols
• Unpredictability: Not based on personal info
• Uniqueness: Different for each account

Method 1: The Passphrase

Instead of a random string, use multiple random words. It's longer AND easier to remember.

correct-horse-battery-staple

This 28-character password is stronger than Tr0ub4dor&3 and infinitely easier to remember.

Make It Stronger:

• Add numbers between words: correct7horse2battery9staple
• Capitalize randomly: Correct-horse-Battery-staple
• Add symbols: correct#horse$battery@staple!

Method 2: The Sentence Technique

Turn a memorable sentence into a password using first letters:

Sentence: "I graduated from Lincoln High School in 2015!"

Password: IgfLHSi2015!

More Examples:

• "My cat Whiskers loves tuna at 6pm" → McWlta6pm
• "I drink 3 cups of coffee every morning!" → Id3cocEm!
• "My first car was a 1999 Honda Civic" → Mfcwa1999HC

Method 3: Pattern-Based Passwords

Create a base pattern you can modify for each site:

1. Start with a base: MySecure2026!
2. Add site identifier: MySecure2026!-gmail
3. Or use first/last letters: MySecure2026!-GL

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• ❌ Using personal info (birthdays, names, pets)
• ❌ Common words (password, qwerty, 123456)
• ❌ Same password everywhere
• ❌ Simple substitutions only (p@ssw0rd)
• ❌ Keyboard patterns (qwerty, asdfgh)

Password Strength Examples

• Weak: password123
• Medium: P@ssw0rd!23
• Strong: Coffee-Sunset-River-2026
• Very Strong: My3DogsLove2RunInThePark!

Pro Tips

1. Use a password manager for most accounts
2. Memorize only critical passwords (email, bank, password manager)
3. Enable 2FA wherever possible
4. Never share passwords via email or text