Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Tech & Science

Remember, remember: How to recall a robust password?

You might consider incorporating the page or line number into your password for added personal significance.

Image: © AFP
Image: © AFP

Everyone needs to use passwords and the more applications that are used then the more passwords there are to remember. Many cybersecurity advisors recommend including all four types of characters: uppercase letters, lowercase letters, digits, and symbols. Yet this often proves to be challenging for many people. But what are the optimal ways to remember a password?

According to one set of researchers, developing a system of spaced repetition paired with mnemonics increases the likelihood that users will remember their passwords over long periods of time. But is this sufficient for everyone?

Alain Vartanian, a tech expert at Customer Service Number has provided Digital Journal readers with four important tips for creating a strong and effective password and also some advice on how to remember it.

Use a line from your favourite book or song

Find a line from a song, poem, or literary piece that resonates with you. Opt for something less renowned and not widely recognized. You can open your book to any page, and pick a line or phrase that speaks to you. If you wish, you can mark this line and fold the page corner to ensure quick retrieval in the future.

You might even consider incorporating the page or line number into your password for added personal significance.

Create unique passwords inspired by your surrounding

Many of us are usually sitting at our computer desks when we need to remember different passwords. That’s why it can be useful to look around and describe something in your surroundings as a foundation for your password.

You can talk about your desktop background, the view from your window, objects nearby, or pictures on your wall. Just make sure your description is unique and not something you’d commonly use.

Get inspired by your keyboard

Use your imagination to come up with a strong password by creating a pattern on your keyboard. Try to make it a shape and use letters and numbers in your design.

Use a reputable password manager

Think about using a reliable password manager. With plenty of user-friendly options out there, you can simplify the task of remembering all your online account logins. Password managers keep your login info in one spot and can help you log in automatically. They secure your password list with one master password (the only one you need to remember).

Avatar photo
Written By

Dr. Tim Sandle is Digital Journal's Editor-at-Large for science news. Tim specializes in science, technology, environmental, business, and health journalism. He is additionally a practising microbiologist; and an author. He is also interested in history, politics and current affairs.

You may also like:

Tech & Science

AI can beat average human creativity — but the most imaginative minds are still unmistakably human.

Tech & Science

As AI advances, scientists warn that failing to understand consciousness could lead to ethical mistakes.

Social Media

Russia has blocked the popular messaging service WhatsApp over its failure to comply with local legislation.

World

Half the world’s coral reefs were devastated by extreme ocean heat—and an even worse wave is happening right now.