Create secure passwords with Diceware
Diceware is a method for generating passphrases/passwords using dice and a word list. These contain genuine randomness and, if sufficiently long, can be considered secure.
This tutorial briefly describes how you can create a secure password in just a few steps. Detailed instructions on Dice-Generated Passphrase can also be found on the EFF Website.
We recommend that you read the page on passwords first. There, we also explain how long your passphrase should be and why they should be generated randomly. In any case, it is not sufficient to think up ‘random’ words yourself or select them from a list. We also recommend that you use a password manager so that you only have to remember a few really secure passwords.
Concept
The idea is that you select different words for your password from a list of approximately 7,000 words. This gives you a password that is easy to remember and still contains real randomness. All you need is a dice.
Step 1
Select a word list in a language you are comfortable with. If your language is not in the list, you can find a word list by searching for “Diceware Wordlist” + “language.” Choose a list that is designed for at least five dice, i.e., contains at least 7776 words.
For this example, we will use the EFF Long Wordlist. However, you can also use any other list designed for five dice.
Step 2
Now roll the dice five times and write down the results in the order you rolled them. For example: 14314
Now look up the word that matches this number in the word list.
In the EFF’s Long Wordlist the word corresponding to 14314 is bucktooth.
Step 3
Repeat step 2 at least six times.
You should now have six words. For example:
battery tacker horses blow counter note
Congratulations! You just created a secure and truly random passphrase!
Step 4
If there is no immediate danger of repression, write the password on a piece of paper and enter it once or twice a day. After one to two weeks, most people can remember their new password well. Then destroy the piece of paper!
There are different techniques for better remembering random passphrases. For some people, making up a story to go with the words can help to remember them better.
Technische Details
Technische Details
The recommendation to use six words comes from the official EFF Guide to Diceware
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