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How to Stay Safe Online

By Michal Wochna


Strong Passwords and Two-Factor Authentication

If you only do two things to protect yourself online, let them be this:

  • Use strong, unique passwords

  • Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA)

These might sound simple, but they’re powerful — and for most people, they’re enough to stay safe in everyday life.

What makes a strong password?

A strong password is one that:

  • Is long — at least 12–16 characters

  • Is unique — used only in one place

  • Looks random — not based on something someone could guess about you

A lot of people use phrases like IAlwaysForgetMyBankLogin2024. It sounds long and personal, but that’s also the problem — it’s guessable. If you use a similar phrase for other sites (like IAlwaysForgetMySocialLogin2024), it becomes a pattern. And patterns are easy to break.

Instead, go for something that doesn’t relate to you at all:

🟢 Ocean-Ladder-Bottle-Swim!53
🟢 FuzzyLamp12$CactusRun
🟢 z!X4eR#tUnicorn-Skate

You don’t need to remember them all. That’s where a password manager helps.

Use a password manager

A password manager creates and remembers strong passwords for you. You only need to remember one master password — the rest is automatic.

Recommended tools:

  • KeePass (free and open-source, desktop-first, very secure)

  • Bitwarden (also has a free plan, and a paid version with more features)

  • 1Password (paid, polished and works across all devices)

Some are free. Some cost a little each year. But they’re worth it — especially if you log into lots of websites or want to use them across your phone, laptop, or tablet. They save time and keep you safer.

What is Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)?

Think of 2FA as a second lock. Even if someone knows your password, they still need something else — a second proof that it’s really you.

Usually this second step is a short, time-sensitive code. You enter your password, then you’re asked for a code that only you have access to.

Where does that code come from?

The most secure way is an authenticator app on your phone:

  • Google Authenticator

  • Microsoft Authenticator

These apps generate a new code every 30 seconds. No internet needed. You just open the app and copy the code.

Some websites still offer to send the code by text message (SMS) or email — that’s better than nothing, but less secure. Texts can be intercepted.

Why strong passwords and 2FA matter

Good password habits (sometimes called password hygiene) are like brushing your teeth — they protect you from problems down the line.
Bad habits — like reusing the same password or using something easy to guess — are how most people get hacked.

But here’s the important bit:

If you use a strong password and have 2FA turned on, the chances of someone breaking into your account are very, very low.

It’s not impossible, but someone would have to put in a serious amount of work just to target you. That’s rare. Most attackers are looking for easy wins — reused passwords, old logins from leaks, or accounts with no 2FA at all.

What if your data has already been leaked?

You can check at HaveIBeenPwned.com. It’s free and safe to use.

If you find your email in a leak:

  1. Change the password for that account

  2. Don’t reuse that password anywhere else

  3. Turn on 2FA to stop future attacks

Final thoughts

Security doesn’t have to be hard.

  • Start by making your main accounts (like email and banking) more secure

  • Use a password manager — even if it feels strange at first

  • Turn on 2FA wherever it’s offered

These are small steps, but they add up to real protection. You don’t need to be a security expert. Just a little care, taken early, makes a big difference.

And if you’re not sure where to start — ask. That’s what we’re here for.

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