Readers’ poll

When did you last change your Microsoft/Windows password? The results of our poll were eye-opening: more than a third of those who took part haven’t ever changed their password.

The majority (66%) used a password to unlock their computer, 17% used a PIN, and just 9% opted for Windows Hello face recognition. Fingerprint and other methods garnered just 4% each.

A large proportion of you told us you used a password manager, and plenty provided some helpful hints and tips for creating – and remembering – a strong password.

“I use a combination of the year I went on a particular holiday combined with something of interest while I was there,” wrote Tony Jarvie.

“For example, if you went to Paris in 1998, then you can use something like ‘EiffelTower98’. It’s easy for you to remember (and quite pleasant as well), but very difficult for someone to guess. Also, the longer it is, the harder it is to brute-force attack, and if it’s something that reminds you of a happy time, you don’t mind having to type in a longer password either, which helps.”

Pick a phrase or line from a book or song. Take the first letter of each word. Substitute the usual “L33t” stuff. Memorise Iain Purdie

Use the name of the site in the password, so that if one site gets hacked, you haven’t lost control over everything aeonturnip

Use the first letters of a memorable phrase and add numbers Anonymous

Combine your old payroll ID from a previous job with the registration number of a car you saw go around a roundabout once in 1985. Easy Ryan Thomas