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🔐 The New Password Best Practices (According to NIST 2025)

November 5, 2025 ¡ IT Security, Passwords, Tip's & Tricks
Illustration of a yellow lock with the text “Password Security 2025” and a sample passphrase “CoffeeRainbowsRunFast” symbolizing strong password habits.

Here’s the new way to think about passwords:

  1. Length > Complexity
    A long password (12+ characters) is far more secure than a short one filled with symbols.
    Example:
    • Weak: T!m3$@123
    • Strong: sunset_trails_are_my_favorite
  2. No Expiration (Unless Compromised)
    Changing passwords every 90 days is outdated advice. It leads to weaker choices. Only change them if there’s evidence of a breach.
  3. Avoid Common Words and Reuse
    Never reuse the same password across different sites. One leak can open every door.
  4. Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
    Even the strongest password benefits from a backup lock. Always enable MFA when offered.
  5. Let Technology Help
    Use a password manager — they generate and remember random, ultra-strong passwords for you.

💼 Why I Recommend Bitwarden

At DarkHorse IT, we recommend Bitwarden because it’s open source, secure, and affordable.

It lets you create truly random passwords — the kind no human could remember (or guess). Something like:
ZJnXyO0TyOJBqt6SY1aSH4O7

The only password you actually have to remember is your master password — the one that unlocks your vault. That’s where you want to use NIST’s passphrase approach.

Example:
CoffeeRainbowsRunFast

Easy to remember. Hard to hack.

⚙️ For Those Not Using a Password Manager (Yet)

Even if you’re not ready to use a password manager, apply these same rules manually:

  • Pick unique passphrases for your most important accounts.
  • Write them down temporarily (on paper — not in a note app).
  • Transition to a manager when you’re ready.

The goal is to break the cycle of reused or predictable passwords.

💡 Quick Takeaways

  • Go for length over special characters.
  • Don’t reuse passwords across accounts.
  • Enable MFA wherever possible.
  • Use a password manager to make life easier and safer.
  • Make your master password a phrase that’s long, memorable, and meaningful to you.

🔚 Wrap-Up

Managing passwords may not sound exciting, but it’s the #1 step toward better cybersecurity.

If you’re not sure how to get started with Bitwarden or password management for your business, DarkHorse IT can help. We set up secure password management systems, train teams on best practices, and help you stay ahead of evolving security standards.

Visit us online at darkhorseit.com or check out more of our weekly tech blogs at kfgo.darkhorseit.com.

And don’t forget — we go live every Thursday at 7:40 AM on KFGO Radio and Facebook Live at facebook.com/darkhorseit.

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