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Creating strong, secure passwords is essential for protecting your online accounts from unauthorized access. Modern password security involves several key concepts that help defend against various attack methods.
Watch this short video to learn essential password security tips and best practices to keep your accounts safe.
Attackers use automated software to try every possible character combination until finding the correct password.
Defense: Long passwords with mixed character types exponentially increase the time needed for a successful brute force attack.
Hackers use automated programs that try common words, phrases, and their variations to guess passwords.
Defense: Avoid common words or predictable patterns; use random characters rather than dictionary words.
Attackers use leaked username/password pairs from one service to try to access other services.
Defense: Use unique passwords for every account; never reuse passwords across different websites or services.
Attackers manipulate people into revealing their passwords through phishing emails, fake websites, or impersonation.
Defense: Be skeptical of unsolicited requests for your password; legitimate services will never ask for your full password.
Password strength is measured by entropy—the randomness and unpredictability of a password. Higher entropy means greater security.
Password Type | Example | Approximate Time to Crack* |
|---|---|---|
| 8 characters, lowercase only | password | Instantly to a few minutes |
| 8 characters, mixed case | pAssWord | A few hours |
| 8 characters, mixed case + numbers | pAssW0rd | A few days |
| 8 characters, mixed case + numbers + symbols | pA$sW0rd | A few weeks |
| 12 characters, mixed case + numbers + symbols | pA$sW0rd!2Ty | Several centuries |
| 16+ characters, mixed case + numbers + symbols | pA$sW0rd!2TyH#9qZ | Millions of years |
Password managers generate, store, and auto-fill strong unique passwords for all your accounts
Adds an extra verification step beyond just your password
Especially for critical accounts or after a service has a known data breach
If one account is compromised, others remain secure
Long combinations of random words can be both secure and memorable
Services like 'Have I Been Pwned' can tell you if your accounts have been compromised
If you need to create a memorable password without a password manager, consider these approaches:
Choose 4-6 random words and combine them with numbers or symbols.
Example: correct-horse-battery-staple-42!
Create a password from the first letter of each word in a memorable sentence.
Sentence: "My first car was a blue 1998 Toyota that cost $2000!"
Password: Mfcwab98Ttc$2000!
While strong passwords remain important, the industry is moving toward additional and alternative authentication methods:
Fingerprints, facial recognition, and other unique physical characteristics that can't be forgotten or easily stolen.
Using security keys, authenticator apps, or "magic links" sent to verified email addresses.
Combining multiple verification methods: something you know (password), something you have (phone), something you are (biometrics).
Easy to crack. Short length, limited character types, or contains common patterns.
Better but still vulnerable. Has reasonable length and some character variety.
Good security. Uses multiple character types and sufficient length.
Excellent security. Uses all character types, long length, and high entropy.
• For most accounts, aim for at least 12-16 characters
• Including all character types significantly improves security
• Some websites have specific password requirements - adjust settings accordingly
• Generate a new password immediately before creating or updating accounts