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Lock it down: simple ways to keep your passwords safe

Your password might be easier to guess than you think. Discover quick, practical tips to strengthen your logins and keep your accounts protected.

30th July 2025
Home Broadband Tips & Guides

In today's digital world, you're constantly streaming, shopping, banking, and staying in touch online. With so much of life happening on the internet, your passwords play a vital role in keeping your personal information secure.

1. Create strong, unique passwords

Think of your password as the key to your digital home. Reusing the same key for every lock? Not a good idea and the same goes for your passwords.

Tips for a robust password:

  • Length is strength: Aim for at least 12 characters.

  • Mix it up: Use a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.

  • Avoid the obvious: Skip easily guessable info like birthdays or "password123".

Example of a strong password: G!v3M3$tr0ngP@ssw0rd!

2. Use a password manager

Remembering lots of complex passwords can be frustrating. A password manager securely stores your passwords and can even generate strong one’s for you.

Popular password managers include:

  • 1Password

  • Bitwarden

  • Dashlane

  • LastPass

These tools help you keep a unique password for each account without the mental gymnastics. Learn more about top password managers here.

3. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA)

Add an extra layer of protection to your accounts with two-factor authentication. With 2FA, even if someone gets your password, they still need a second verification step to get in.

Common 2FA methods:

  • A code sent by SMS

  • An authenticator app (e.g., Google Authenticator, Authy)

  • A physical security key

Turning on 2FA can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorised access.

4. Be cautious with password storage

It may be convenient to save passwords in your browser, but password managers offer stronger security. Also, avoid writing passwords on paper or storing them where others might find them easily.

5. Regularly update your passwords

Make it a habit to update your passwords, especially for sensitive accounts like your email or banking apps. And if you ever hear about a data breach involving a service you use, change your password immediately.

Want to check if your details have been exposed in a breach?

Visit Have I Been Pwned.

Keeping your passwords secure is more important than ever in a world where you rely on digital devices daily. By following these simple steps, you can better protect your accounts and browse with peace of mind.