Creating Strong Passwords and Securing Accounts

Use unique credentials, password managers and secure recovery settings to protect important accounts.

What you will learn

• Create long unique passwords
• Use a reputable password manager
• Protect recovery email numbers and codes

Safety note

Use invented examples during practice. Never publish or send real passwords, PINs, verification codes, recovery codes, private tokens or complete financial details. If money or account access may be at risk, contact the relevant provider promptly through independently verified official details.

Use unique passwords

Every important account needs a different password. Reusing one password allows a breach at one service to unlock other accounts.

Prefer a long random password or passphrase. Personal names, birthdays, telephone numbers and predictable substitutions are easier to guess.

Use a password manager

A reputable password manager can generate, store and fill unique passwords. Protect the manager with a strong master password and supported multifactor authentication.

Install it only from its official source. Make sure recovery instructions are understood before relying on it.

Secure recovery

Account recovery email addresses and telephone numbers must remain current and protected. Store backup codes privately, not in a public screenshot or shared chat.

Never send a password, PIN, one-time code or recovery code to someone who contacted you. Legitimate support should not need your secret.

Guided practice

1. Identify three accounts that reuse a password and plan replacements.
2. Review recovery details for your main email account.
3. Store one set of backup codes in a protected location.

Knowledge check

1. Why is password reuse dangerous?
2. What should protect a password manager?
3. Who should receive a one-time sign-in code?

Completion standard

Continue when you can complete the guided practice safely and explain the knowledge-check answers in your own words.