{"id":74503,"date":"2026-09-10T11:25:57","date_gmt":"2026-09-10T15:25:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rbcroyalbank.com\/en-ca\/my-money-matters\/money-academy\/cyber-security\/understanding-cyber-security\/why-strong-passwords-matter-and-how-to-create-them\/"},"modified":"2026-09-10T13:07:30","modified_gmt":"2026-09-10T17:07:30","slug":"why-strong-passwords-matter-and-how-to-create-them","status":"publish","type":"rbc_my_money_matter","link":"https:\/\/www.rbcroyalbank.com\/en-ca\/my-money-matters\/money-academy\/cyber-security\/understanding-cyber-security\/why-strong-passwords-matter-and-how-to-create-them\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Strong Passwords Matter \u2014 and How to Create Them"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Your passwords matter. They are the first line of defence against unauthorized access to your online accounts, devices, and files. Naturally, the stronger the password, the more protected your data will be from threat actors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So why do so many Canadians use common, easy-to-guess passwords such as password, 123456, hockey and Canada?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One reason is that it\u2019s often too hard to remember all the passwords for each of our accounts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While keeping track of all of our passwords can feel like a big challenge \u2014 and coming up with clever combinations of letters, numbers and symbols can seem overwhelming \u2014 some basic tips can help boost your password game and better protect your data.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are some steps you can take to help ensure you are using strong passwords or pass phrases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

10 easy tips for a stronger password<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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1. Never share your passwords with anyone.<\/h3>\n

Put quite simply, don\u2019t share your passwords \u2013 not with your friends, your IT department, or your bank. No one but you should know them.<\/p>\n

2. Don\u2019t use your online banking password for anything else.<\/h3>\n

While it\u2019s best not to re-use any passwords at any time, it\u2019s especially important to use extra caution when it comes to sensitive information such as your bank account.<\/p>\n

3. The longer, the better.<\/h3>\n

Experts suggest creating passwords that are at least 12 characters long, ideally 16. Most online user passwords are eight characters, which are much easier to crack than longer versions.<\/p>\n

4. Use phrases instead of words.<\/h3>\n

To get that character count up, and to make your passwords easier to remember, consider using phrases made up of random words (i.e., DelayElephantBuy or mature-stiletto-algebra-envision-number). Another good trick is to use the first two letters of each word in a sentence to create a password that\u2019s memorable to you: \u201cLa Bella Trattoria was my favourite Toronto restaurant\u201d could yield the password: LaBeTrwamyfaTore97!<\/p>\n

5. Complexity still counts.<\/h3>\n

Adding a combination of letters, symbols and numbers makes your passwords tougher to crack. For instance, DelayElephantBuy can become De!@yE!eph@nt8uy.<\/p>\n

6. Avoid including sensitive info.<\/h3>\n

Including your birthday or pet name within your password exposes more information that could be used to compromise your security.<\/p>\n

7. Reset your passwords regularly.<\/h3>\n

The longer a password has been in use, the more likely it has been leaked in a data breach.<\/p>\n

8. Don\u2019t ignore data leak warnings.<\/h3>\n

Google and Apple both alert users if a saved password on the Chrome or Safari browsers has been involved in a data breach. Take this message seriously and change your password right away.<\/p>\n

9. Use multi-factor authentication.<\/h3>\n

While passwords are more secure than no protection, your data is far safer if you combine a password with multi-factor authentication (MFA). MFA, also known as Two-Factor Authentication (2FA), requires additional verification \u2013 such as a fingerprint or PIN to identify yourself \u2014 and can offer a second line of defence. MFA is now automatic for RBC Online Banking and the RBC Mobile app. That means there\u2019s nothing for you to set up or opt into in \u2013 keeping your finances safe is easier than ever.<\/p>\n

10. Use a password manager.<\/h3>\n

Password managers generate strong, random passwords and remember them for you when you\u2019re logging into an account, so you don\u2019t have to. Your encrypted password database can then be accessed with just one master password or passphrase, which means you\u2019ll just have to remember one. That\u2019s a lot easier than keeping 150 passwords in your head!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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And if your password still isn\u2019t quite strong enough? RBC will let you know. If you sign in to your account with a weak, common or reused password, you may be asked to change it before you can sign in again. It\u2019s another way RBC is helping to protect your money.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A hacked password can result in the loss of personal, financial, or medical information and a long-lasting impact on your reputation and credit score. These tips can help you create strong passwords that protect you online.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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For more tips and resources on keeping your accounts secure, bookmark and visit RBC\u2019s Cyber Security Hub<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n

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