Good Password Ideas Without Copying Examples [2025]

Quick question: What’s your go-to move when you need a new password?

If you’re someone like me, you’d go for any of these moves:

• Adding a number or character to the end of your usual password
• Using the name of your favourite Netflix show or pet
• Banging on keyboard till something makes sense (PS: According to a list of most common passwords spilled in a security incident, “qwerty” ranks in top 5)
• Using the same ‘strong’ password everywhere (because, honestly, who has the time to remember 47 different passwords?

Now, here’s something we all miss about passwords. The ‘rules’ everyone follows actually make terrible passwords. That super complex ‘P@$$w0rd!’ that took you five minutes to create? It can be cracked faster than you can say ‘data breach.’

That’s what we’re here to change with this post. If you’re also tired of constant password headaches, this blog on strong and good password ideas will help you get some clarity.

Let’s see some great password ideas that you can actually rely on!

What is a good password in 2025?

In 2025, a good password is one that is at least 15 characters long, combining a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters. It should also include numbers and symbols where possible, but length still remains the primary focus.

Personal information like birthdays or names should be avoided, as these can be easily guessed. One effective method is to create a passphrase by combining three random words, making it both secure and easy to remember.

Each account should have a unique password to prevent security breaches. Using a memorable sentence as a base can help, as can avoiding common phrases that might be easy for someone to guess.

Regularly updating passwords, particularly for sensitive accounts, is also crucial. Lastly, incorporating a variety of character types without making the password overly complicated ensures both security and usability.

NIST and NCSC’s password guidance in simple words

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) offer straightforward advice on creating strong passwords. NIST suggests that passwords should be long, ideally 15 characters or more, and stresses that unique passwords are more important than following complex rules like using special symbols or numbers.

Instead of focusing on complicated patterns, it’s better to create memorable passphrases that combine unrelated words. For example, using three random words like “apple-rainbow-guitar” can form a strong password that’s easier to remember.

Both NIST and NCSC warn against using personal information in passwords, as that can make them easier to guess. They also highlight the importance of avoiding predictable patterns. Using spaces and Unicode characters can add to the memorability of a password.

The main takeaway is to create passwords that are long and unique, while being practical to remember, rather than overly complex. Always stay updated on password guidelines, as security practices

Length vs complexity – What should a good password contain?

When it comes to password security, longer passwords are much more effective than complex ones. A password with 15 characters can take centuries to crack using current technology, which shows just how significant length is in keeping your accounts safe.

Unique passwords are essential too, as they prevent a single breach from compromising multiple accounts.

While complex passwords may seem secure, they can often be hard to remember, leading to the temptation to reuse them across different sites. Instead, consider using a combination of words or phrases. This method not only boosts security but also makes it easier to memorize. For instance, a memorable phrase like “My dog loves to jump” can become a secure password when transformed appropriately. By focusing on length and uniqueness rather than just complexity, you create a strong defense against potential threats.

Are spaces and unicodes good for passwords?

Yes, you can use spaces in your passwords, and NIST actually encourages it. Using spaces can make your passwords easier to remember because they allow you to create phrases that are both memorable and secure. For example, instead of a string of random characters, you might use a phrase like “I love chocolate cake”. This approach not only increases the length of your password but also adds complexity without making it harder to recall.

Unicode characters can further enhance password security by incorporating a diverse range of symbols and letters. This variety allows for greater uniqueness, making your passwords harder to guess. Many modern systems accept both spaces and Unicode, so you can take advantage of these features when creating your passwords. Just remember to test your password to ensure it meets the specific requirements of the site you are using.

While spaces can help in forming longer, memorable passwords, do be cautious about using common phrases that might be easily guessed. Instead, consider using unique word combinations or personal touches that others wouldn’t know, ensuring your passwords remain secure.

Good password ideas you can actually use in 2025

Creating strong passwords doesn’t have to be complicated. Start by combining three random, unrelated words. This method results in longer, memorable passwords that are difficult to crack. For instance, you might use “apple-bicycle-sky”. Next, consider crafting an acronym from a meaningful sentence using custom separators. For example, “My favorite movie is Inception” could become “MfmiI!”.

Another idea is to mix two nouns with an unusual verb and a special year. For example, you could use “giraffe-dance-2022”. This combination is unique and memorable. If you want to create a unique passphrase for each site, try a formula like [word]+[different word]+[random number], ensuring it doesn’t reference the site directly.

If symbols aren’t allowed, focus on length by using multiple words or phrases. For example, use “happy cat jumps high”. This is easy to remember and type, especially on mobile devices, avoiding characters that can be confused, like ‘O’ and ‘0’. For shared accounts, create longer, readable passwords that can be easily changed, such as “Smith-family-soccer-2025”.

Lastly, always think of combinations that reflect your interests or hobbies. This personal touch will help you remember your passwords while keeping them unique. Avoid using public examples, as they can lead to predictable patterns.

Common password mistakes you should avoid in 2025

When creating passwords, it’s crucial to steer clear of common mistakes that can undermine your security. First, predictable substitutions like replacing letters with symbols, such as ‘P@ssw0rd’, are still easy to guess. Similarly, using keyboard patterns like ‘QWERTY’ offers little protection, as these are among the first combinations hackers try. Avoid using famous quotes or song lyrics; these are often included in password-cracking databases and could be easily guessed.

Frequent forced resets can lead to weak variations, as users often revert to their old passwords or make slight modifications, which can be just as insecure. It’s essential not to reuse old passwords, especially if you know they have been compromised. Also, using easily obtainable personal information, like birthdays or pet names, can make your passwords vulnerable to social engineering attacks.

Another key mistake is using the same password across multiple sites. If one account gets hacked, others become easy targets. To enhance your security, always check for common password lists and avoid using known weak passwords. Stay informed about current trends in password cracking so you can adapt your strategies accordingly. Lastly, consider using a password manager to help you create and store strong passwords securely, minimizing the risk of making common errors.

• Avoid predictable substitutions, like ‘P@ssw0rd’.
• Do not use keyboard patterns like ‘QWERTY’.
• Steer clear of famous quotes or lyrics in passwords.
• Frequent forced resets can lead to weak variations.
• Do not reuse old passwords, especially if they were compromised.
• Avoid using easily obtainable personal information.
• Beware of using the same password across multiple sites.
• Check for common password lists to avoid known weak passwords.
• Educate yourself on current trends in password cracking.
• Consider using a password manager to avoid common mistakes.

What to do after you pick a password idea?

Once you have created a password, it is important to take a few additional steps to enhance your security. First, consider using a password manager to securely store your password. This not only keeps your passwords safe but can also help you generate strong ones in the future. Don’t forget to enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) on your accounts whenever possible. This adds an extra layer of protection, making it harder for unauthorized users to gain access.

If a website rejects your password choice, don’t panic. You can tweak the separators or allowed characters while keeping the length the same. This way, your password remains strong and memorable. It’s also wise to keep a backup of your passwords in a secure location, such as a safe or an encrypted file, so you can access them if needed.

Regularly review and update your passwords, especially if you suspect any unauthorized access or if a site experiences a data breach. Use hints that are memorable but not obvious to others, helping you recall your passwords without making them easy for others to guess. Testing your password’s strength using online tools can provide insights into its effectiveness.

If you need to share passwords with trusted individuals, do so securely, using encrypted messaging or password-sharing features in password managers. Lastly, monitor your accounts for any unusual activity and stay informed about new security threats, adjusting your passwords as necessary.

Get good password ideas within seconds with Vaizle’s free & strong password generator

If you want a strong password without second-guessing rules, use Vaizle’s secure Password Generator. You control the length, pick character types, and even include spaces where sites allow them. Everything is created locally in your browser with a cryptographically secure method, and nothing is stored on our servers.

The best part is presets. Choose a platform and get a password that matches its policy. If Apple or Google expects a certain mix or length, select that preset and generate a password that meets it. You can still tweak things like excluding look-alike characters or increasing the length to 20 or 24 if you prefer.

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Conclusion

Strong passwords do not need to be complicated. Make them long. Keep them unique. Store them in a manager and turn on MFA wherever you can. When you need a new one, let the generator do the heavy lifting so you are not stuck inventing patterns that look clever but break easily.

Use the ideas from this guide, then create a password you can rely on in seconds. If your policy changes or a site blocks a character, keep the length and adjust the separator. Vaizle’s free Password Generator is built for that kind of reality, so you get security without guesswork.