Passwords are a modern plague, and the list of grievances is long.
Users must meet complex requirements to create passwords. These require a mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and special characters, and different websites have varying and inconsistent rules.
Many websites require periodic password changes, and it is frustrating to create new, unique passwords.
Some people have as many as 90-100 online accounts, and remembering unique passwords for each account is impossible.
Password reset mechanisms are often complicated, and some require two step verification.
To help in remembering passwords, there are “memory tricks” called mnemonics (pronounced “neemoniks”) that anyone use.
Following are some effective mnemonic strategies for creating and remembering strong passwords:
Sentence Method: Create a memorable sentence and use the first letter of each word as your password. For example:
“I love eating pizza with extra cheese at midnight!” → IlEpWeCaM!
“My first motorcycle was a blue Honda in 2015” → MfmWaBHi2015
Passphrase Technique: Use a longer phrase that’s meaningful to you but hard for others to guess:
Combine unique personal memories
Use jokes or meaningful song lyrics
Mix in numbers and special characters
Visual Association: Create a password based on a vivid mental image:
Picture a specific scene and translate elements of that scene into characters
Example: “Red elephant dancing in Manila” → R3d3l3ph@nt!M@nila
Substitution Cipher: Replace letters with similar-looking numbers or symbols:
a → @
s → $
i → 1
o → 0
Personal Acronym Method: Use an acronym from a significant personal story or achievement, mixed with numbers and symbols.
Key Tips:
For sites you don’t care about, keep passwords simple – Bagadiong$2005
Mix uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols
Aim for at least 12 characters
Avoid common substitutions like “p@ssword”
Use a password manager for additional securit
Write passwords down and put them in a safe place
Bryce McIntyre, PhD, resides in San Andres. He holds a doctoral degree from Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA