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Creating a Strong Password

Keeping your personal information safe starts with one simple step, using a strong password. A weak or easy-to-guess password makes it much easier for someone to access your account without permission. 

Why Strong Passwords Matter

Cybercriminals use tools that can guess simple passwords in seconds. Passwords like “Password1234”, your pet’s name, or your birthday are extremely easy for them to figure out.

A strong password protects:

  • Your identity
  • Your personal details
  • Your medical information
  • Your accounts and online services

Your Password Must Meet These Requirements

To keep your account secure, your password must be:

  • At least 12 characters long. Short passwords are easier to crack, a longer password gives you much better protection.
  • A mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols, for example purposes only:
    • Uppercase letters: A B C
    • Lowercase letters: a b c
    • Numbers: 0–9
    • Symbols: ! @ # $ % & *
  • Avoid using repeated or sequential characters, for example purposes only:
    • ABCD or MMMM
    • 1234 or 7777
  • Not based on personal information: 
    Avoid using names, birthdays, addresses, pet names, or anything someone could guess from social media.
  • Unique to the service and system you are using: 
    Do not reuse a password from another site. If one account is hacked, they all become vulnerable.

Simple Tips for Creating a Strong Password

Here are a few easy ways to build a strong, memorable password even if you don’t want something complicated. 

1. Create a password phrase

Think of a short sentence you can remember, then add numbers and symbols.

Example only purpose, not for reuse: 

  • Sentence: I love Sunday morning walks
  • Password: ILoveSundayWalks!2024

Easy for you to remember, extremely hard for anyone else to guess.

2. Mix words that don’t belong together

Combine four or five unrelated words, then add numbers or symbols.

Example only purpose, not for reuse: 

  • PurpleRiverSandwich!82

Because it’s long and unusual, it’s very secure.

3. Use a pattern only you know

Create a personal pattern you apply to different words.

Example only purpose, not for reuse:

  • Take a word like: butterfly
  • Replace some letters with symbols and numbers: BuTT3rfLy#2024

Just don’t use obvious patterns like replacing o with 0 or a with @ every time, or using repeated or sequential characters, e.g. ABCD, MMMM, 7777 or 1234.

How to Keep Your Password Safe

  • Do not write your password down where others can see it.
  • Do not share your password with anyone, including friends or family.
  • Avoid saving your password on shared or public computers.
  • Cleaning your device from potential malware, by using a reputable antivirus or anti-malware tool 
  • Consider using a password manager if you have trouble remembering multiple passwords—it stores them securely for you.

If You Ever Think Your Password Is Compromised

Change it immediately. A strong, fresh password is one of the best defences against someone accessing your account without permission. If you need any support in how to change your password, please contact our team on 1800 864 878