Guide to Password Security

Why Strong Passwords and Multi-Factor Authentication Are Essential Today

Why Password Security Matters

Passwords are the first line of defense against unauthorized access.
An insecure password can allow attackers to:

• Access email accounts
• Reset nearly all other accounts
• Commit identity theft
• Cause data loss or reputational damage
• Access corporate resources

Because most accounts can be reset via a private or business email address, having a secure email password is absolutely critical.

If an attacker controls your email, they control almost everything.

What Is a Secure Password?

A good password must have three qualities:

• Long
• Complex
• Unpredictable

Most security experts recommend:

• At least 16–20 characters
• A mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and special characters
• Optionally, also use international special characters such as:
  ä, ö, ü, ß, ñ, ç, ø, å, é, á, or other non-ASCII characters.

Note: International special characters are not available on all keyboards.

Avoid:

• Dictionary words (unless using the passphrase method)
• Personal information (birthdates, pets, names, etc.)

How to Create a Strong Password

Option A: Passphrase Method (“Four-Word Method”)

Combine 4–5 random words:

Example:
Cup-Cloud-Jump-47-Zebra

Advantages:

• Very hard to crack
• Easy to remember
• Very long (high entropy)

Option B: Random Password (Password Generator)

A completely random character sequence:

Example:
nV5$kR1!pQz8@hf2

Advantages:

• Extremely secure

Disadvantage:

• Only practical with a password manager

Option C: Sentence Method

Convert a sentence into a password:

“My favorite pizza I eat 2 times a week!” →
MLpeich2mpW!

Common Password Mistakes

• Reusing the same password across multiple sites
• Using short or simple passwords
• Using personal data (name, birthdate, school, etc.)
• Storing passwords in notes apps, text files, or browsers
• Sharing passwords via email or messenger
• Ignoring password changes after a leak

A single leaked password can trigger a chain reaction (credential stuffing).

Why Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Is Mandatory

MFA is not “nice to have” – it is a lifeline for your account.

What Is MFA?

A second security layer is required in addition to your password, such as:

• App approval (Microsoft Authenticator, Google Authenticator)
• Hardware keys (YubiKey, Titan Key)
• SMS code (less secure but better than no MFA)

Why MFA Is Absolutely Necessary

Even strong passwords can be:

• Stolen through phishing
• Exposed in data breaches
• Captured by malware
• Guessed or brute-forced

MFA prevents 99.9% of account attacks – even if the password is known.

If most of your accounts can be reset via your email, then:

Without MFA on your email account, all other accounts are at risk.

Advantages of Passkeys (The Future of Authentication)

Passkeys are increasingly replacing passwords and offer high security.

Benefits

• No passwords that can be stolen
• No phishing possible (passkeys only work on the legitimate website)
• No reuse issues
• Automatic cryptographic key pairs
• Works via smartphone, browser, or biometrics (FaceID, fingerprint)
• Synchronizable via Apple iCloud, Google, or password managers

Passkeys are more user-friendly and far more secure than classic passwords.

Recommendations: Best Password Managers (Private Use, iOS & Android)

All password managers below are:

• Secure (zero-knowledge encryption)
• Available on iOS, Android, Windows & Mac
• Browser compatible (Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Safari)
• Offer password generators, secure notes, MFA support & passkey support

Top Password Managers 2025

1. Bitwarden (Free & Premium) – Recommended for Students/Apprentices

• Free basic plan
• Open source
• Excellent security architecture
• App + browser integration
  Link: Bitwarden Website

2. 1Password

• Excellent design & usability
• Very good for families and teams
• Strong MFA and passkey support
  Link: 1Password Website

3. Dashlane

• Very good web interface
• Includes dark web monitoring
• Passkey support
  Link: Dashlane Website

4. Enpass (Local storage possible)

• Stores vaults locally or via custom cloud sync
  Link: Enpass Website

5. KeePass / KeePassXC (Free, more technical)

• Open source
• No cloud, full control
  Link: KeePassXC Website

Practical Tips for Better Security

✔️ Never store passwords in plain text (notes, text files, etc.)
✔️ Use a unique password for every service
✔️ Enable MFA wherever possible
✔️ Use a password manager instead of trying to remember everything
✔️ Regularly check if your accounts have been leaked:
Have I Been Pwned

✔️ Update passwords immediately after security incidents
✔️ Use passkeys when a service supports them

Summary

Security Measure	Importance
Strong passwords	First layer of protection against attacks
Password manager	Practical, secure, prevents password reuse
MFA	Mandatory, protects even if the password is stolen
Passkeys	Future technology, prevents phishing & password leaks
Security awareness	Most important foundation for defending against attacks