Password & Security Guides

Practical, jargon-free guides to keeping your accounts safe: how to create strong passwords, when to use a passphrase, what to do after a data breach and how two-factor authentication works. Each guide links to the free GenPass tools that help you put the advice into practice.

• What Is a Password Manager, and Do You Need One?

  How password managers work, whether they are safe, how to choose one, and how to move your existing passwords into it, in plain language.

• How to Create a Strong Wi-Fi Password and Share It Safely

  Step-by-step: choose a strong WPA2/WPA3 key, change it on your router, and let guests join with a QR code instead of reading the password aloud.

• How Long Should a Password Be in 2026?

  The minimum, recommended and ideal password lengths for websites, email, Wi-Fi and master passwords, with the maths and current NIST guidance explained.

• Strong Password Examples (and Why Common “Strong” Passwords Fail)

  Real examples of weak, “looks strong” and genuinely strong passwords, with the reasons behind each, so you can tell the difference at a glance.

• Two-Factor Authentication Explained: SMS, Apps, Keys and Passkeys

  What two-factor authentication is, why it stops most account takeovers, and how SMS codes, authenticator apps, security keys and passkeys compare.

• Your Password Was Leaked in a Data Breach: What to Do Next

  A calm, step-by-step checklist for the hours and days after you learn that a password or account of yours was exposed in a data breach.

• Passphrase vs Password: Which Is More Secure?

  Random words or random characters? We compare the entropy, memorability and best uses of passphrases and traditional passwords, with the maths explained simply.

• How to Create a Strong Password in 2026

  Length beats complexity, uniqueness beats cleverness. A practical guide to creating passwords that hold up against modern cracking, based on current NIST and NCSC advice.