How do you create strong passwords that are easy for you to remember but hard to crack?

While keyboard patterns can be a helpful memory tool, it's important to avoid common ones like "qwerty" or simple diagonals. Hackers are aware of these patterns and can target them in their attacks. To strengthen your password, incorporate a mix of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols into your chosen pattern. For instance, instead of a straight diagonal, you could create a square pattern that jumps between rows, like "Th9e$." This way, you create a more complex password that's still memorable to you.

For example, you could take a memorable phrase like "I love hiking in the mountains!" and apply a pattern such as alternating uppercase and lowercase letters, replacing certain letters with symbols or numbers, and adding special characters. Following this pattern, the passphrase could be transformed into a strong password like "iL0v3H!k1ngInTh3M0unt@ins!".

As an example, the passphrase "elephantkeyboardrainbow" could be transformed into a strong password like "3l3ph@ntK3yb04rdRa1nb0w!". This approach creates a lengthy and memorable password with high entropy, making it resistant to brute-force attacks while remaining easy to recall. However, it's crucial to avoid using easily guessable words or predictable patterns and to ensure that the passphrase is sufficiently long and complex for optimal security.

Mixing characters is a key strategy for creating strong passwords. This involves combining uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols to enhance complexity and security. One approach is to start with a base word or phrase and then intersperse it with numbers and symbols. For example, you could take the phrase "SecurePassword" and mix characters to create a strong password like "S3cUr3P@ssw0rd!".

For example, the phrase "I enjoy hiking with my dog, Max!" could become the acronym "Iehwmd,M!". Next, add complexity by substituting some letters with numbers or symbols and mixing uppercase and lowercase letters. Applying this, the acronym could be transformed into a strong password like "I3hw!md,M@x!".

For example, if your birthday is March 15, 1990, you could use "31590" as part of your password. To enhance security, combine these personalized numbers with letters, symbols, or acronyms. For instance, you could use "M@rch31590!" as your password. Just ensure that the numbers you choose are not easily guessable or publicly known, and always combine them with other characters for added complexity and security.

I am a big fan of password management tools. There are a number in the market. I have used LastPass for years. It allows you to have one master password and create very long complex passwords that you would never remember. Just NEVER forget your master password! Side note I have my elderly parents on LastPass too and they can share their passwords with me so if something happens I can get access to their accounts fast. Yes, I was able to get my mom to shred the little index card on her desk that had passwords to everything written on it. haha.