In today’s digital age, managing the multitude of passwords required for our personal and work lives can be challenging. The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has recommended the three random words method as an effective strategy to address this issue. This method involves selecting three random words and combining them into a single password, such as “paperhumbleconnect.”

While weak passwords can be easily cracked, longer and more unique passwords are much harder for cybercriminals to decipher. Although there has been much advice over the years about creating complex passwords with random letters, numbers, and symbols, such passwords are often impractical for most people to generate, remember, and enter.

As a result, when faced with creating yet another password, many individuals resort to using variations of familiar words, names, dates, or reusing existing passwords. Common tactics like substituting numbers for letters are well known to cybercriminals, who adapt their methods accordingly.

Though random passwords generated by password managers are the strongest option, the NCSC notes that the adoption of password managers remains low. Security measures that are not user-friendly are often ineffective.

The three random words method offers a balance, providing passwords that are both long and strong enough for most purposes, while remaining simple for users to understand and implement. The NCSC also states that writing down your password is acceptable, provided you store the written note in a safe place.

For more information, visit: https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/collection/top-tips-for-staying-secure-online/three-random-words