How to Create Strong Passwords

Why Strong Passwords Matter

Weak passwords are easy for hackers to guess. A strong password protects your accounts and your company's data.

What Makes a Password Strong?

A strong password has:

• At least 12 characters (longer is better)
• Mix of uppercase and lowercase letters
• Numbers
• Special characters (!@#$%^&*)

The Passphrase Method

The easiest way to create a strong, memorable password is to use a passphrase - a sentence or phrase that means something to you.

Examples:

Weak password: password123 Strong passphrase: Coffee$Every$Morning2026!

Weak password: john1985 Strong passphrase: MyDog$Loves$Beach$Walks!

How to Create a Passphrase:

• Think of a sentence you can remember
• Use the first letter of each word, or the whole words
• Add numbers and special characters
• Mix uppercase and lowercase

Example sentence: "I drink two coffees every morning before work" Passphrase: IDrink2Coffees@Morning!

Passwords to Avoid

Never use:

• Your name or family members' names
• Birthdates or anniversaries
• Pet names
• Simple patterns (123456, qwerty)
• Common words (password, admin, welcome)
• The same password for multiple accounts

Password Do's and Don'ts

Do:

• Use a different password for each account
• Change passwords if you suspect they're compromised
• Use a password manager to remember them all

Don't:

• Share passwords with anyone
• Write passwords on sticky notes
• Send passwords in emails
• Use the same password everywhere

How Often to Change Passwords

• Change immediately if there's a security breach
• Change if you suspect someone knows it
• Otherwise, focus on using strong, unique passwords

Need Help?

For password security help, contact helpdesk@netlumait.com.au or call 1300 521 162.