The computer code behind password input can be modified to force people to change their password for security reasons. This is known as “password expiration,” and some websites and companies use it regularly. However, people tend to choose new passwords that are too similar to their old ones, so this practice has not proven to be very effective. Your friends have a hard time remembering passwords. What method can you devise for them so that they can remember their new passwords AND make them very different from the old ones?

Answer 1

One method that can be helpful for your friends to remember their new passwords while also making them different from the old ones is to use a password manager. Password managers are tools that store and manage all your passwords in one secure place. They can generate strong, unique passwords for each account and automatically fill them in for you when needed.

Additionally, encourage your friends to create a password formula. A password formula is a systematic way to create passwords that are unique and easy to remember. For example, they can use a phrase or sentence that is easy for them to remember, such as "I love to hike in the mountains," and use the first letter of each word to create a password like "Ilthitm#2022!" They can then make small variations to this formula for each new password they need to create.

It is also important to remind your friends not to use personal information, common words, or easily guessable patterns in their passwords. Strong passwords should be at least 12 characters long, include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters, and be completely random or nonsensical to anyone else.

By implementing these methods, your friends can create strong, unique passwords that are difficult for hackers to crack while also making them easier to remember and manage.