Chapter 02Technology & Internet

What makes a password actually secure?

Length over complexity. A 16-character passphrase of unrelated words beats 'P@ssw0rd!'. Pair it with a password manager and two-factor authentication and you're ahead of 95% of people.

Follow-up questions

Are password managers safe?

Yes. The risk of one being breached is far lower than reusing the same password across 40 sites.

Is SMS 2FA good enough?

Better than nothing, worse than an authenticator app or hardware key — SIM swaps are real.

What are passkeys?

A passwordless login that uses a key stored on your device, unlocked by your face or fingerprint. Phishing-proof and faster — adopt them wherever offered.

How often should I change passwords?

Only after a breach or suspected compromise. Forced routine rotation makes people pick weaker, predictable passwords.

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