What Makes a Good Security Question? Smart Tips You Need Now

Passwords are your first line of defense online, but they’re not always enough. 

That’s where security questions come in. These questions provide an extra layer of protection by helping websites confirm it’s you when you log in, reset your password, or make important changes to your account. However, not all security questions are created equally.

In this guide, we’ll explain what makes a good security question and what to avoid, and we will share some of the best security question examples to protect your online life.

Why Security Questions Matter

Even with a strong password, hackers may try to get into your account by guessing your answers to common security questions. That’s why it’s important to use questions that are hard for others to figure out, even if they know a lot about you.

Your security question should work like a second password. Private, personal, and tough to guess.

What Makes a Strong Security Question?

Before we get to the list, here are three things every good security question should be:

• Memorable. You should be able to recall the answer easily, even years later.

• Not Publicly Known. Avoid anything someone could find on social media, like your pet’s name, high school you attended or your child’s name.

• Hard to Guess. The best questions have many possible answers, not just a handful of common options.

Smart Security Question Examples (and Why They Work)

Pick questions specific to your life, but not something you’d ever post online.

• What was the name of your childhood best friend’s pet? (Likely not something shared online.)

• What’s the title of the first book you ever loved? (Personal but not public.)

• What’s your least favourite food as a kid? (Memorable and unique.)

• What’s the nickname only your family uses for you? (Not guessable unless you’re very close.)

• What’s the name of the street where your grandparents lived? (Less likely to appear on social media than your own.)

Pro Tip: For added security, treat your answer like a second password. You don’t have to tell the truth, just remember what you wrote.

Security Questions to Avoid

Some questions are so common or easy to find online that they’re no longer safe. Here are a few you should skip:

• What’s your mother’s maiden name?

• What’s your favourite colour?

• What city were you born in?

• What’s your pet’s name?

• What’s your high school mascot?

If a hacker can guess it in a few tries or find it on your Facebook profile, it’s not secure enough.

Additional Tips for Better Online Protection

• Use different security questions for different accounts.

• If the site lets you write your question, make it unique!

• Don’t reuse the same answer everywhere.

• Combine your answer with a number or symbol to make guessing harder.

Need help managing your accounts? A secure password manager can also store answers to your security questions so you never forget them.

Why Teqare Supports Smarter Online Security

At Teqare, we’re all about practical tech education. Whether you’re learning to spot a scam, strengthen your passwords, or set smart security questions, we’re here to give you the tools to protect your online world—confidently and safely.

Take Control of Your Online Security Today

Smart security questions are just the beginning. Visit us for digital safety workshops, online protection guides, and tips for all ages. 

Protect what matters: your data, your identity, your future.

Disclaimer: At Teqare, we share knowledge to help protect and empower our communities online. The information in this blog is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as legal or financial advice. Always seek guidance from a trusted professional for your specific situation. We do our best to keep information current and relevant, but digital threats can evolve quickly. Stay alert, stay curious, and reach out if you need support—we’re here to help.

Photo by Leeloo The First