In 2024, strong passwords remain essential as they continue to serve as the first barrier against cyber threats. Although some companies are adopting passkeys—which streamline the login process and come with built-in Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)—the majority of accounts still require traditional passwords during setup.
While passkeys aim to replace usernames and passwords altogether, strong passwords are still a critical component of account security. They’ve long been a key element of protecting digital identities, and that won’t change anytime soon.
Keep reading to understand why importance of strong passwords still matters, how to create secure passwords, and the top practices for safeguarding your login credentials.
Why importance of strong passwords matters?
Creating strong passwords is essential for protecting your personal information and keeping your online accounts secure. A robust password helps safeguard against a variety of cyber threats.
1. Protects against password-based attacks
One of the main reasons for using strong passwords is to defend against attacks specifically targeting weak or reused credentials. Here are three of the most common methods hackers use:
2. Credential stuffing
In this type of attack, hackers use previously stolen login details to try accessing other accounts that belong to the same person. Since many people reuse passwords across multiple sites, a single compromised password can give a criminal access to social media, bank accounts, and more. Using a unique and complex password for each account helps reduce the chances of this happening.
3. Password spraying
This attack involves trying widely-used or simple passwords—like “1234” or “password”—across many accounts within the same organization or platform. If several users rely on these weak passwords, attackers can gain access to multiple accounts at once. A strong password significantly lowers your risk of being targeted by this method.
4. Brute force attacks
In a brute force attack, hackers use automated tools to repeatedly guess password combinations until they find the correct one. These tools often rely on predictable patterns or commonly used passwords. Since reused or simple passwords are easier to crack, creating complex and unique passwords makes brute force attacks much harder to succeed.
Overall, having a strong password for each of your accounts is a key step in maintaining your digital security.
5. Helps prevent account takeovers
Account takeover attacks occur when a hacker gains control of someone’s online account, often without the user’s knowledge. These takeovers typically happen through methods like brute force or phishing. Once access is gained, the attacker may change the login credentials, locking the real user out. From there, they can misuse the account, access private data, and even deceive others by pretending to be the account owner—sending messages or scams to the person’s contacts.
Many of these attacks are successful because of weak, easy-to-guess, or reused passwords. For instance, using something simple like “Password1” makes it much easier for hackers to break in. But if your password is something complex like “H25dv_wz!fR4gu” and it’s unique to that one account, it becomes significantly harder for a cybercriminal to compromise it. Strong and unique passwords reduce the effectiveness of a wide range of hacking techniques.
6. Secures your personal and financial data
A strong password is also crucial for protecting sensitive accounts like online banking or e-commerce logins. Weak passwords make it easier for attackers to gain access, potentially resulting in stolen funds or identity theft. Using complex passwords helps shield your personal and financial information from such risks.
7. What defines a strong password today?
In 2024, password standards have evolved. While 12-character passwords were once considered secure, today it’s recommended that strong passwords be at least 16 characters in length.
A strong password should also include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special symbols. Avoid using predictable patterns, common phrases, or personal details like names, birthdays, or pet names. For example, creating a password like “Buddy1387” based on your dog’s name and your birth year might seem secure, but attackers can gather this kind of information from your social media profiles and use it against you.
To stay protected, ensure every password you create is both long and unpredictable, making it difficult for hackers to crack.
Additional password security tips
Beyond creating long and strong passwords, here are some other effective strategies to enhance your password security:
1. Use passkeys when possible
Passkeys offer a highly secure way to protect your accounts. Unlike passwords, passkeys don’t need to be typed or shared, making them resistant to phishing attacks. When a passkey option is available for your account, be sure to activate it to verify your identity securely before logging in.
2. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
One of the most effective ways to boost your account security is by enabling MFA. This adds an extra layer of protection by requiring multiple forms of verification to access your account. Examples include answering security questions, entering codes from an authenticator app, or using biometric scans like fingerprints.
3. Avoid reusing passwords
Using the same password across multiple accounts can put you at greater risk. If a cybercriminal manages to guess or steal one password, they could potentially access all your accounts through a credential stuffing attack. Always use unique passwords for each account.
4. Use passphrases or password generators
Passphrases—combinations of random, uncommon words—can be both easier to remember and harder for hackers to crack. Adding uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols makes them even stronger. If you find it difficult to come up with your own, you can use a passphrase generator to create one for you.
If passphrases aren’t your style, a password generator is a helpful tool for creating strong, unique passwords tailored to your preferences, including length and character types.
5. Utilize a password manager
You might wonder how to keep track of all these unique and complex passwords. The answer is a password manager. These tools securely store and organize your passwords in a digital vault, accessible with just one master password. They also generate strong passwords for you and allow you to manage, edit, and safely store your login details and other private information.