Passwords are a key part of protecting your digital life. They’re your first line of defense and knowing how to create and store strong passwords is one of the most important parts of everyday cybersecurity.
Think of your passwords the way you think of your house keys: worth protecting and not something you want to leave exposed. Managing lots of passwords can be frustrating, especially before you start using a password manager, but there are practical ways to make it much easier.
Creating, storing, and remembering passwords can feel overwhelming, but they still play a central role in protecting you from cybercriminals and data breaches. The good news is that secure, easy-to-use password managers make it simpler than ever to keep your accounts protected with just a few practical steps.
The value of long, unique, and complex passwords
Whether it’s your online banking or social media account, all passwords should be created with these three principles in mind:
1. Long
Passwords should be at least 16 characters long. In general, longer passwords take much more time and computing power to crack through brute-force attacks. An eight-character password is far easier to guess than a 16-character one, which is why length makes such a big difference.
2. Unique
Each account should have a unique password. If you reuse passwords, you’re not alone, but it’s a habit worth changing. Reusing passwords across multiple accounts can create serious problems if one of those accounts is compromised. Small tweaks, like adding a number or special character, usually are not enough; each password should be completely different. A password manager can help you create and store unique passwords for all your accounts.
3. Complex
Passwords should include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters such as @, !, or $. Some platforms even allow spaces. In many cases, the strongest passwords are long strings of random characters rather than recognizable words, names, or dates. Whatever format you use, make sure each password is at least 16 characters long.
Quick review
Each of your passwords should be:
- At least 16 characters long
- Unique to the account
- A random jumble of letters, numbers, and symbols
MFA takes your security beyond the password
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds another layer of security to your accounts. When you turn on MFA, you use more than just a password to sign in, such as a facial scan, a text message, or an authentication app. It’s a smart idea to enable MFA on every account that offers it.
How often should you change your passwords.
Contrary to popular belief, you do not need to constantly change your passwords. The National Institute of Standards and Technology recommends against frequent password changes in their Digital Identity Guidelines. Just remember to change your password if there is unauthorized access to your account or if it’s part of a data breach.
Changing passwords too often can lead to weaker habits, such as reusing old passwords or creating simpler ones. It’s usually better to choose strong passwords from the start and update them only when there’s a reason to do so.
Why you should use a password manager
As our lives expand while we do more online, we’ve gone from having a couple of passwords to today, where we might manage upwards of 100 or more passwords. If you’re like most people, you’re probably using the same passphrase for most of your accounts—and that’s not safe. Around 66% of Americans use the same password across multiple accounts, which can be detrimental to your personal or financial information. If your passphrase gets stolen because of a breach, it can be used to gain access to all your accounts and your sensitive information. But no need to fret—password managers are easy to use and make a big difference.
How does a password manager work?
The best way to manage unique passphrases for the ever-increasing amount of online accounts we own is through a password manager application. A password manager is a software created to manage your online credentials like usernames and passwords. It stores them in an encrypted database and generates new passphrases when needed.
Because the password manager stores all your passwords, you don’t need to memorize login information or keep that secret password paper in your drawer. Now, you only need to remember one password to unlock your vault in the manager app, making things seamless.
What are the advantages of a password manager?
Easy to use
Password managers save time and are easy to use because you need to memorize one password, which makes them easily accessible and quick to load.
Protects your identity
Using the same passphrase across accounts poses a security risk. With a password manager, you’re more likely to use unique, complex passwords for each application. Some password managers will also generate and store secure passwords for you.
Mobile-friendly
Most password managers are compatible with mobile devices, allowing you to access your passwords on the go. Many phones also feature a built-in manager, like iCloud Keychain.
What are the disadvantages of a password manager?
Single point of failure
One significant disadvantage of a password manager is because your accounts can be accessed via a single, strong password, there is a potential risk of your password manager being hacked. While using a password manager, multi-factor authentication is imperative to keeping your data safe.
You’re not protected from everything
While password managers help protect your passwords, they don’t prevent other attacks, like phishing, malware, or keyloggers. Even if you use a password manager, follow best practices and don’t click, open, or download any suspicious links or files. Remember, Georgia’s Own will never ask you for sensitive information via email or text message, such as your account number, Social Security number, or password.
Avoid common mistakes that weaken passwords
Even if you meet the criteria for a secure password, bad habits can still put your finances at risk. Avoid reusing passwords across multiple accounts—especially for banking, credit, and retirement sites. Don’t store passwords in unsecure places, like notes apps, sticky notes, or email drafts. Never share your login details with others, either, even if it’s someone you trust. One careless mistake can lead to identity theft or fraud.
Bottom line
Passwords are the first line of defense in protecting your personal and financial information. But security doesn’t stop there—using a strong password and a password manager, enabling multi-factor authentication, and staying aware of common mistakes can go a long way in keeping your money safe. It’s about building smart habits and staying one step ahead of cyber threats. A little effort today can save you from major headaches tomorrow.
My account has been locked I can’t get to it thru on line banking. I need to get into it.
Can i just change my username & password.
Pls email me back
Kirby — You can call Member Services at 800.533.2062 if you need help accessing your account.
Please provide information on how to change one’s password?
Connie — You can change your password in online banking by hovering over the icon in the top-right corner, then click “Settings.” From there, click “Security” and click the pencil icon in the Password section under “Security Information.”