How to Create Memorable Yet Hard-to-Guess Passwords

Two days ago a colleague forgot the password for a server, sparking a discussion about how to create passwords that are both easy to remember and hard to guess.

Many people reuse the same password across various apps and websites, leading to security risks when data breaches occur.

While many articles warn against common passwords, few explain how to craft secure ones; the following simple methods can help.

1. Use the initials of a well‑known proverb or poem as the password. For example, the line “两岸猿声啼不住，轻舟已过万重山” becomes laystbzqzygwcs , a string that is unlikely to be guessed by others.

2. Combine personal information, the app or website name, and random numbers. For instance, a user named Zhang San on the Ele.me app could use zhangsan@elem123 , optionally reversing or varying the numeric part for added security.

3. Use a special sequence on the keyboard. Examples include 1qaz2wsx (the leftmost two rows) or a custom pattern like asdwsx based on personal habits.

The key is to establish a rule and a “password book” that records the patterns—whether they are poems, personal info, app names, or keyboard layouts—so you only need to remember the rule and the source material.

Adding special characters (e.g., @#$%) or capitalizing certain positions can further strengthen the password.

Historically, spies have used similar simple techniques; password creation is not as mysterious as it seems.

In short, by defining a clear rule and a set of sources, you can generate passwords that are both memorable and secure—so go update yours today.

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