Create a strong, memorable master password (tl;dr)

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This is the tl;dr (too long; didn't read) version of our full-length Create a Strong, Memorable Master Password post. If you'd like to read more in-depth on the "why's" behind creating a strong, memorable master password, check the original post. But if you want the tl;dr version, see below.

A password manager is like a safe, safeguarding all your online logins and identities.

But every safe needs a combo lock, and for your password manager, that's your master password. This single key unlocks the vault of all your other passwords, making its strength, uniqueness, and memorability crucial.

The worst thing you can do is create a master password for your password manager that is...

  • Weak/Generic (Password123)
  • Reused
  • Predictable or Searchable on the internet/social media, like:
    • Family names (YourSonsName1993)
    • Pet names (Rover1972)
    • Hobby names (Ilovepickleball1968)
    • Industry names (BestConsultantEver123)

Here's how to create a master password that's long, strong, unique, and memorable.

Important Factors

1. It Needs to be Entirely NEW

This is perhaps the most crucial rule for your master password: It must be entirely unique and never before (or after) used on any other website or service, ever.

2. It Needs to be Memorable

Most password managers have no recovery options - because they handle such sensitive data. If you can't remember it, you could lose access to all your stored passwords permanently.

Two Techniques for Creating Your Master Password

Here are our top methods to create a strong, long, unique, and memorable master password.

Technique 1: "Random Four" Passphrase

This method leverages random word association.

How to do it:

  1. Pick Four Unrelated Words: Open a dictionary, a book, or even look around your room and pick four words that have absolutely no connection to each other. The more disparate, the better.
    • Example: Spoon Mountain Whisper Galaxy
  2. Inject Random Capitalization: Capitalize letters, ideally in unexpected places.
    • Example: sPoon MountaiN WHIsper gAlaxY
  3. Substitute with "Leetspeak" (Sparingly!): Replace a few letters with similar-looking numbers or symbols. Don't overdo it, or it becomes hard to remember.
    • Example: sP0on Mounta!N WHIsper gAl@xY
  4. Add Numbers and Symbols: Sprinkle in a couple of numbers and symbols at the beginning, end, or between words. This becomes: 8sP0on+Mounta!NWHIsper=gAl@xY$ - Long, complex, and unique!
    • Final Example: 8sP0on+Mounta!NWHIsper=gAl@xY$

Remember, these are just examples. If your gut tells you it's going to be hard to remember, you're overdoing it. Incorporate the elements above in a way that will be easy for you to remember.

Technique 2: Personal Sentence

This method uses a sentence meaningful to you as a base, then scrambles it for security.

How to do it:

  1. Choose a Personal Sentence: Think of a sentence based on a weird, unique memory, an inside joke, a forgotten fact, or something only you would know. It should not be publicly known.
    • Example: "My old bike was green with one flat tire for seven months."
  2. Take the First Letter of Each Word (or a selection words):
    • Example: MobwgwOftfsm (My old bike was green with one flat tire for seven months)
  3. Introduce Random Capitalization:
    • Example: mObwGWofTFSm
  4. Substitute Letters with Numbers/Symbols:
    • Example: m0bwGW0fTFSm (replacing 'o' with '0')
  5. Add Numbers and Symbols: Add a relevant, but non-obvious, number (not a birth year!) or a symbol. This becomes: !m0bwGW0fTFSm7* - A strong, derived passphrase.
    • Final Example: !m0bwGW0fTFSm7*

Critical Master Password Commandments

  • NEVER Reuse: This master password should never be used for any other account, anywhere, ever. If you do, and that other account is breached, your entire password manager is compromised.
  • Write It Down: It can be a good idea to write down your password as insurance against forgetting, but if you do, store it in a secure physical location (i.e. on paper, stored in a locked safe). Resist saving it in a document, email, or cloud service.
  • Practice Typing It: Type your new master password several times to commit it to muscle memory. Make it a habit to log in to your password manager first thing every day. This ingrains it into your longterm memory without the need to keep it written down.

Your master password is the foundation of your digital security. Take the time to create an uncrackable, yet memorable, one. It's your best defense.