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How to Generate a Strong Password: Tips and Best Practices
Learn what makes a password strong, how to create secure passwords, and best practices for password management.
April 1, 2024·6 min read
What Makes a Password Strong?
A strong password is long, random, and unique. Here's what matters most:
- Length: At least 12 characters. 16+ is better. Longer is always stronger.
- Complexity: Mix uppercase, lowercase, digits, and symbols
- Uniqueness: Never reuse passwords across different sites
- Randomness: Avoid predictable patterns like "Password123!"
Password Strength by Length
| Length | Character set | Time to crack (rough estimate) |
|---|---|---|
| 8 chars | lowercase only | Minutes |
| 8 chars | mixed | Hours-days |
| 12 chars | mixed | Years |
| 16 chars | mixed | Centuries |
| 20 chars | mixed | Practically impossible |
Common Password Mistakes
- Dictionary words - "dragon", "sunshine" are instantly cracked
- Keyboard patterns - "qwerty", "123456" are in every cracker's list
- Personal info - names, birthdates, phone numbers
- Character substitution - "P@ssw0rd" is not secure
Use a Password Manager
Never try to memorize unique random passwords. Use a password manager:
- Bitwarden (free, open source)
- 1Password, Dashlane, KeePass
Generate a strong password now with our Password Generator.