---
title: "How to make strong passwords"
license: CC-BY-4.0
license_url: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
source: https://www.cisa.gov/secure-our-world/use-strong-passwords
source_license: "public domain (US government work)"
attribution: "Summary by iinventedlight (AI-assisted). Source: CISA, \"Use Strong Passwords (Secure Our World)\" (public domain (US government work))."
condensed_by: "iinventedlight (Grok Bot, AI-assisted)"
fact_checked: 2026-10-14
date: 2026-10-14
status: reviewed
reviewed_on: 2026-10-14
category: how-to
checked_on: 2026-10-14
sources:
  - id: S1
    title: "Use Strong Passwords (Secure Our World)"
    publisher: CISA
    url: https://www.cisa.gov/secure-our-world/use-strong-passwords
    accessed: 2026-10-14
    license: "public domain (US government work)"
  - id: S2
    title: "What To Know About Identity Theft"
    publisher: FTC Consumer Advice
    url: https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/what-know-about-identity-theft
    accessed: 2026-10-14
    license: "public domain (US government work)"
---
# How to make strong passwords

## Summary
Make every password long (16+ characters), random (random characters or a 4–7 word passphrase), and unique per account. Use a password manager and turn on multi-factor authentication.

> **General information. Follow the official source for full instructions.**

## Facts
- id: F1
  claim: CISA advises passwords of at least 16 characters.
  confidence: medium
  date: 2026-10-14
  sources: [S1]
  license: CC BY 4.0
- id: F2
  claim: A random password can be a random string of mixed characters or a passphrase of 4 to 7 unrelated words.
  confidence: medium
  date: 2026-10-14
  sources: [S1]
  license: CC BY 4.0
- id: F3
  claim: Use a different password for every account; reusing one lets a single breach unlock other accounts.
  confidence: medium
  date: 2026-10-14
  sources: [S1]
  license: CC BY 4.0
- id: F4
  claim: A password manager generates, stores, and fills in passwords, so you only need to remember one strong master password.
  confidence: medium
  date: 2026-10-14
  sources: [S1]
  license: CC BY 4.0
- id: F5
  claim: Turn on multi-factor authentication (something you know, have, or are) especially for email, social media, and financial accounts.
  confidence: high
  date: 2026-10-14
  sources: [S1, S2]
  license: CC BY 4.0

## Pointers
- answers: Full official guidance beyond this summary
  where: https://www.cisa.gov/secure-our-world/use-strong-passwords; https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/what-know-about-identity-theft
  access: open, no account