What Makes a Password Strong?
A strong password is designed to resist guessing, brute-force attacks, and credential-stuffing attempts by being both complex and unpredictable. To achieve this level of security, a password should meet the following criteria:
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Be at least 12–16 characters in length to significantly increase the time required to crack it.
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Include a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters to expand the character set.
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Contain numbers (0–9) to add further complexity.
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Use special characters such as
! @ # $ % ^ & *to make pattern-based attacks more difficult. -
Avoid common words, familiar phrases, or personal information like names, birthdates, or simple sequences.
For example, “password123” is a weak and easily guessable password, whereas “mX4#dL@9!vQz” demonstrates strong complexity and randomness, making it far more resistant to attacks.
How to Generate a Strong Password Using a Password Manager
One of the most reliable ways to generate and manage strong passwords is by using a dedicated password manager. These tools are designed to automatically create complex, random passwords that meet modern security standards and store them securely in an encrypted vault. By relying on a password manager, users eliminate the need to remember multiple passwords while significantly reducing the risk of weak or reused credentials.
Reputable password managers also offer additional security features such as autofill protection, breach monitoring, and synchronization across devices, making them suitable for both personal and professional use. Some of the most trusted options include Bitwarden, 1Password, Dashlane, and LastPass. Using any of these solutions helps ensure that passwords remain strong, unique, and well-protected against modern cyber threats.
Create a Passphrase
Instead of a random mix of characters, use an easy-to-remember passphrase made up of four or more random words:
Example: Sunset!Laptop7Tiger%
Use an Online Password Generator
Many websites and security tools offer free password generators that create complex passwords instantly. Some trusted options include:
NordPass Password Generator
Bitwarden Password Generator
LastPass Password Generator
Manually Create a Secure Password
If you prefer creating passwords yourself, use the first letter of a memorable sentence mixed with numbers and symbols.
Example:
Sentence: “I drink 2 cups of coffee every morning!”
Password: Idr2CocEM!
Best Practices for Password Security
Use a different password for each account
Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for extra security
Store passwords in a password manager instead of a notebook
Change passwords regularly, especially for sensitive accounts
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many security breaches occur due to simple and preventable password management mistakes. One of the most common errors is using short or overly simple passwords such as “123456” or “qwerty,” which can be cracked almost instantly using automated tools. Reusing the same password across multiple accounts is another serious risk, as a single compromised service can expose all linked accounts. Storing passwords in plain text files, notes applications, or physical sticky notes further increases the likelihood of unauthorized access. Additionally, using easily guessable personal information such as your name, birthday, or phone number makes passwords highly predictable and significantly weakens overall account security.
Extra Tip: Check If Your Password is Leaked
You can check if your password has been exposed in a data breach by using:
Have I Been Pwned
