How to Create Strong Passwords You’ll Actually Remember

Using the same weak password across many sites is one of the most common online mistakes.

If one site gets hacked, attackers try the same password on:

• Your email
• Your bank
• Your social media
• Your cloud storage

A strong password system protects all of these.

This guide shows a simple, practical method you can actually remember.

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What Weak Passwords Look Like

Common examples:

• Password123
• John2020
• CompanyName1

These are easy for attackers to guess.

Weak passwords are the most common cause of account breaches.

According to multiple security reports, most breaches happen because of:

• Weak passwords
• Reused passwords
• Phishing attacks

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Why Random Password Advice Fails

You’ve probably heard this advice:

• Use something like: G7$kL9#pQ2@mR5
• Change it every month
• Never write it down

That works in theory.
But in real life, people can’t remember 30 random passwords.

So they:

• Reuse one password
• Write it on paper
• Store it in unsafe notes

You need a system, not random strings.

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The 3-Step Password System

Step 1: Choose a Base Phrase

Pick a sentence that:

• Means something to you
• Is at least 15 characters
• Includes numbers or symbols

Example:

My cat Luna was born in 2020!

This is:

• Long
• Easy to remember
• Much stronger than short passwords

A long passphrase is easier to remember and harder to crack.

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Step 2: Add a Site Code

Use two letters from the site name.

Examples:

For Gmail: GM-My cat Luna was born in 2020!

For Amazon: AZ-My cat Luna was born in 2020!

Now every site has a different password.

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Step 3: Keep a Fixed Rule

Always:

• Put the site code at the start
• Or after the second word
• Or at the end

Example rule:

Base phrase:
Blue coffee mug #3

For Gmail:
Blue coffee GM mug #3

For GitHub:
Blue coffee GH mug #3

You only remember:

1. Your base phrase
2. The rule

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When You Should Use a Password Manager

For important accounts:

• Email
• Banking
• Cloud storage
• Social media

Use:

• Bitwarden
• 1Password
• Apple Keychain

Password managers:

• Store passwords securely
• Generate strong ones
• Autofill login forms

Password managers safely store and generate strong passwords.

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Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

A password is the first lock.
2FA is the second lock.

2FA adds a second layer of protection using a code from your phone.

With 2FA:

• You enter your password
• Then a code from your phone

Even if someone steals your password, they still can’t log in.

Enable 2FA on:

• Email
• Banking
• Social media
• Password manager

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Quick Password Checklist

Use this checklist:

• At least 15 characters
• Mix of words, numbers, symbols
• Different password per site
• Based on a system
• 2FA enabled

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not:

• Use birthdays
• Use pet names
• Reuse passwords
• Save passwords in plain text
• Share passwords in chat apps

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What to Do Today

1. Start with your email account
2. Create a base phrase
3. Add site codes
4. Enable 2FA
5. Update one account per day

You don’t need to fix everything in one day.

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About the Author

Jadox is a web developer who builds online tools and writes practical guides for students and professionals. His work focuses on simple systems that solve real digital problems.

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This guide was updated on February 13, 2026. Security practices change over time, so review your passwords regularly.