So what do most people do? They use the same simple password everywhere. Or they give up and hit “Forgot Password” every single time.

I get it. I’ve been doing tech support in Winchester for over 40 years, and password frustration is universal. But here’s the good news: there’s a simple fix that takes about 15 minutes.

The Simple System That Actually Works

Forget trying to memorize 47 different passwords. Here’s what I recommend for most people:

Step 1: Get a notebook. Not a fancy one – any notebook will do. This is going to live in your desk drawer at home.

Step 2: Create three GOOD passwords.

• One for banking and financial sites
• One for email
• One for everything else (shopping, social media, etc.)

Step 3: Write them down. Include the website name and which password you used. Keep it simple.

Step 4: Put the notebook in your desk drawer. Not stuck to your monitor. Not under your keyboard. In a drawer.

That’s it. Fifteen minutes, and you’re more secure than 90% of people.

“But Skits, Isn’t Writing Passwords Down Unsafe?”

Here’s the reality check: A notebook in your desk drawer is WAY safer than using “password123” on every website.

Think about it. For someone to steal your written passwords, they’d have to physically break into your home, find your desk, find the notebook, and figure out which accounts to target.

But if you’re using weak passwords because they’re “easy to remember”? Hackers can crack those from anywhere in the world without leaving their couch.

What Makes a Good Password?

A good password doesn’t have to be complicated gibberish. It just needs to be:

• At least 12 characters long
• Not an obvious word or phrase (your dog’s name, your birthday, “password”)
• Different from your other passwords

One trick: Use a short phrase that means something to you. “IlovedogsMay2024!” is way stronger than “Buddy123” and easier to remember.

When to Level Up to a Password Manager

Eventually, you might want a password manager – that’s software that remembers all your passwords for you. It’s more secure and more convenient once you get used to it.

But if you’re not there yet? The notebook system works just fine. Don’t let perfect be the enemy of good.

The One Password That Really Matters

If there’s ONE password you should make rock-solid, it’s your email password.

Why? Because email is the master key to everything else. Forgot your bank password? Reset link goes to your email. Shopping site password? Same thing.

If someone gets into your email, they can reset passwords for everything else you own.

Make your email password strong. Make it unique. And for the love of all things holy, don’t use it anywhere else.

The Bottom Line

Passwords don’t have to be a constant source of stress. A simple system – even an old-fashioned notebook – beats chaos every time.

Start with the basics. Three strong passwords, written down, stored safely. You can always get fancier later.

And remember – we don’t just fix computers at SKTS. We educate. Because understanding this stuff makes your life easier, not harder.

Questions about passwords, security, or anything else tech-related? Call us at 540.303.2410. We’re here to help our Winchester neighbors.

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Shared Knowledge Technical Solutions provides computer repair, IT support, and technology training in Winchester, VA and Frederick County. We’ve been helping our community since 2005.