What Is a Strong Password? (Quick Answer)

A strong password is at least 12 characters long, uses a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols, and is completely unique to one account. Better yet, use a passphrase—four or more random words like "correct-horse-battery-staple" that's easy to remember but nearly impossible to guess. Strong passwords:

• Are at least 12 characters long (15+ is better)
• Never appear on lists of commonly used passwords
• Don't include personal information like birthdays or pet names
• Are different for every account
• Are randomly generated or use true randomness (like dice rolls)
• Have high entropy—meaning many possible combinations

Why Strong Passwords Matter

Over 80% of data breaches involve weak or stolen passwords. NIST Password Guidelines emphasize that hackers use automated tools that can test billions of password combinations per second. If your password is "Password123" or "JohnDoe2024," it takes less than a second to crack.

The consequences are real. Weak passwords lead to:

• Identity theft: Criminals access your email, then reset passwords for banking, social media, and shopping accounts
• Financial loss: Direct theft from bank accounts or fraudulent purchases
• Privacy invasion: Leaked photos, messages, or personal data sold on the dark web
• Reputation damage: Hacked social media accounts spreading scams to your friends and family

A strong password blocks 99% of automated attacks. Combined with two-factor authentication, it makes your accounts virtually impossible to hack without physical access to your devices.

What Makes a Password Strong

Modern security standards, including NIST Special Publication 800-63B, emphasize password length over complexity. A 15-character password with mixed case and numbers is stronger than an 8-character password with every special character available.

The three pillars of password strength:

1. Length: Every additional character exponentially increases cracking time. Aim for 12 characters minimum, 15+ for high-value accounts
2. Unpredictability: Truly random passwords resist dictionary attacks and pattern-guessing. Avoid common words, keyboard patterns (qwerty), and personal information
3. Uniqueness: Every account needs its own password. Reusing passwords means one breach compromises all your accounts

NIST's updated guidelines no longer recommend mandatory password complexity rules or periodic password changes. Forced complexity leads people to create predictable patterns. Instead, focus on length and randomness.

Passphrases vs Traditional Passwords

A passphrase is a password made of multiple random words. Instead of "K9$mPz2@," you might use "correct-horse-battery-staple" or "umbrella-theater-penguin-laptop." Passphrases are:

• Easier to remember: Four random words create a mental image
• Faster to type: Real words beat hunting for symbols on your keyboard
• Stronger: More characters mean exponentially more possible combinations

The Diceware method uses physical dice to select words from a 7,776-word list, providing 12.9 bits of entropy per word. A six-word Diceware passphrase offers about 77.5 bits of entropy—strong enough for any personal use.

Passphrase examples (don't use these—make your own!):

• staple-fidget-lemon-glacier-puppet
• cushion-pirate-cement-banjo-whisper
• magnet-velvet-dolphin-canyon-twilight

When to use each:

• Passphrases: Password manager master passwords, device encryption, accounts you type frequently
• Random passwords: Every other account (let your password manager handle them)

Understanding Password Entropy

Entropy measures password strength in bits. Each bit of entropy doubles the number of guesses an attacker needs. A password with 60 bits of entropy requires 2⁶⁰ (over 1 quintillion) guesses.

The entropy formula:

H = L × log₂(N)

Where:

• H = entropy in bits
• L = password length
• N = size of the character set (26 for lowercase, 62 for mixed case + numbers, 94 for all keyboard characters)

Example 1: Traditional password
Password: aB3$xK9mP!zQ (12 characters, all character types)

• Character set: 94 (lowercase + uppercase + numbers + symbols)
• Entropy: 12 × log₂(94) ≈ 12 × 6.55 ≈ 78.6 bits

Example 2: Passphrase
Passphrase: correct-horse-battery-staple (4 words from 7,776-word list)

• Each word: log₂(7,776) ≈ 12.9 bits
• Total entropy: 4 × 12.9 ≈ 51.6 bits

Adding two more words brings it to 77.4 bits—stronger than the complex password and easier to remember.

Step-by-Step: Create a Strong Password

Method 1: Use a Password Generator (Recommended)

1. Visit Safe Password Generator
2. Select your preferences:
   • Password length: 15-20 characters
   • Include uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols
   • Or choose passphrase mode for 5-6 random words
3. Click Generate
4. Copy the password immediately
5. Save it in your password manager (never write it in plain text)

Method 2: Create a Diceware Passphrase

Diceware uses physical dice to generate truly random passphrases. You'll need five dice or roll one die five times per word.

1. Roll five dice and record the numbers from left to right (e.g., 4-3-1-4-6)
2. Look up the five-digit number in the Diceware word list (43146 = "munch")
3. Write down the word
4. Repeat five to seven times for different words
5. Combine the words with hyphens: "munch-cleft-camera-synod-lacy-work"

Your passphrase has at least 64 bits of entropy (five words) or 77+ bits (six words).

Method 3: Memorable Random Sentence

1. Think of four to six unrelated objects around you
2. Add an action verb and a random number
3. Example: "laptop-17-climbs-purple-bookshelf-gently"
4. This only works if words are truly random—avoid common phrases

After creating your password:

• Never reuse it for another account
• Store it in a password manager
• Enable two-factor authentication on the account
• Test it immediately by signing in
• Save backup codes in a secure location

Use a Password Manager

Password managers generate, store, and autofill strong passwords so you only need to remember one master password. NIST supports the use of password managers as a best practice for maintaining unique, complex passwords across accounts.

How password managers work:

1. You create one strong master password (use a Diceware passphrase)
2. The manager encrypts all your other passwords with military-grade encryption
3. When you visit a website, it autofills your credentials
4. You can generate new passwords instantly for every account

Top password managers (2025):

• 1Password: Best for families, $2.99-$4.99/month
• Bitwarden: Free tier available, open-source, $10/year premium
• Dashlane: Best dark web monitoring, $4.99/month
• Built-in browser managers: Free, convenient, but less secure than dedicated apps

Setting up a password manager:

1. Choose a manager and create an account
2. Set your master password (make it a strong Diceware passphrase)
3. Install the browser extension and mobile app
4. Import existing passwords or add them manually
5. Update weak passwords using the built-in generator
6. Enable two-factor authentication on the manager itself

Turn On Multi-Factor Authentication

Two-factor authentication (2FA) or multi-factor authentication (MFA) requires a second proof of identity beyond your password. Even if someone steals your password, they can't access your account without your phone or security key.

How to enable MFA:

1. Go to your account's security settings
2. Look for "Two-Factor Authentication," "2FA," or "Multi-Factor Authentication"
3. Choose your method:
   • Authenticator app (recommended): Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator, Authy
   • Security key (strongest): YubiKey, Titan Key
   • SMS codes (backup only): Less secure but better than nothing
4. Scan the QR code with your authenticator app
5. Enter the six-digit code to confirm
6. Save backup codes in your password manager

Enable MFA on these accounts first:

• Email (Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo)
• Banking and financial accounts
• Password manager
• Social media
• Cloud storage (Dropbox, Google Drive)

For a complete platform-by-platform guide, see our Two-Factor Authentication Setup Guide.

Common Password Mistakes and Fixes

Mistake 1: Reusing Passwords Across Accounts

Why it's dangerous: One data breach exposes all your accounts. Hackers test stolen credentials on hundreds of sites automatically.

Fix:

• Use a password manager to generate unique passwords
• Audit your existing accounts—most managers flag duplicates
• Change reused passwords starting with email, banking, and shopping

Mistake 2: Using Personal Information

Examples: Your name, birthday, pet's name, street address, favorite team

Why it fails: This information is public on social media or easily researched

Fix: Use truly random passwords or passphrases with no personal connection

Mistake 3: Simple Substitutions

Examples: P@ssw0rd, L3tM3!n, Summ3r2024!

Why it fails: Hacking tools automatically test common substitutions (@ for a, 0 for o, 3 for e)

Fix: Generate completely random passwords or use random word combinations

Mistake 4: Storing Passwords in Plain Text

Examples: Notes app, text files, screenshots, spreadsheets, sticky notes

Why it's risky: Anyone with access to your device can read them. No encryption means no protection.

Fix: Move all passwords to an encrypted password manager today

Mistake 5: Sharing Passwords

Examples: Texting passwords, writing them in emails, sharing accounts

Why it's dangerous: Messages can be intercepted, forwarded, or leaked

Fix: Use password manager sharing features (encrypted) or temporary shared folders

Mistake 6: Never Changing Compromised Passwords

The pattern: Using the same password for years, even after breach notifications

Fix: Check Have I Been Pwned to see if your email appears in known breaches. Change those passwords immediately.

Mistake 7: Using Dictionary Words or Common Passwords

Examples: password, 123456, qwerty, welcome, admin, letmein

Why they fail instantly: These appear on every hacker's first-try list

Fix: Always use random generation or the Diceware method

How to Test and Update Old Passwords Safely

Testing password strength:

• Use our Safe Password Generator strength checker
• Never paste your real password into unknown websites (they could log it)
• Password managers have built-in strength audits—use those instead

Updating weak passwords safely:

1. Open your password manager
2. Run a security audit or health check
3. The manager flags weak, reused, or old passwords
4. Click each flagged item and generate a new password
5. Update the account immediately
6. Enable 2FA while you're in security settings

Migration schedule:

• Today: Email, banking, password manager
• This week: Social media, shopping, work accounts
• This month: Everything else

Before changing passwords:

• Make sure you have access to recovery email and phone number
• Save new backup codes after each change
• Test the new password before closing the account
• Update passwords on all devices where you stay logged in

Using Our Safe Password Generator

Our Safe Password Generator creates cryptographically secure passwords using your browser's random number generator. Nothing is sent to a server—everything happens locally on your device.

Step-by-step walkthrough:

1. Visit the homepage: Go to safepasswordgenerator.net
2. Choose your style:
   • Random characters for maximum entropy in minimal length
   • Passphrase mode for memorable multi-word passwords
3. Set your preferences:
   • Length: 15-20 characters (or 5-7 words for passphrases)
   • Character types: Include all options unless the site restricts them
4. Generate: Click the button to create your password
5. Copy: Use the copy button—never type it manually
6. Verify: Make sure it meets the website's requirements
7. Save immediately: Paste into your password manager before closing the tab
8. Test: Sign in with the new password to confirm it works

Why use a generator instead of making your own?

Humans are terrible at randomness. We unconsciously choose patterns, favorite words, and memorable sequences—exactly what hackers exploit. Generators use cryptographic algorithms that produce true randomness.

Safety notes:

• Our generator runs entirely in your browser (client-side)
• No passwords are stored, logged, or transmitted
• Close the tab after use for maximum security
• Use it on your personal device, not public computers

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an example of a strong password?

A strong password could be 7mK$pQ9!xR3nZ@vL (random characters) or cobalt-giraffe-wallet-plasma-anchor (random words). Never use examples you find online—they're no longer secure once published. Generate your own using a password generator.

How long should a password be?

NIST recommends a minimum of 8 characters, but best practice is 15+ characters for important accounts. Longer passwords are exponentially harder to crack. If you're using a password manager, go for 20+ characters since you won't type them manually.

Are password managers safe?

Yes. Password managers use AES-256 encryption (the same standard used by banks and militaries) and zero-knowledge architecture—meaning even the company can't read your passwords. The risk of reusing weak passwords is far greater than the risk of using a reputable password manager.

Passphrase vs password—which is better?

Passphrases (like "purple-dolphin-concert-laptop-thunder") are better for passwords you type frequently because they're easier to remember and type. Random character passwords (like mX9$kP2@) are better for accounts stored in a password manager. Both are secure if generated randomly and long enough.

How often should I change my password?

NIST guidelines state that passwords should not be changed arbitrarily or periodically. Change your password only when: you suspect it's been compromised, a service you use reports a breach, you shared it with someone, or you set it before using a password manager. Regular arbitrary changes encourage weaker, more predictable passwords.

What is multi-factor authentication (MFA)?

MFA requires two or more proofs of identity: something you know (password), something you have (phone or security key), and sometimes something you are (fingerprint). MFA blocks 99.9% of automated attacks because stealing a password alone isn't enough.

Is SMS two-factor authentication safe enough?

SMS 2FA is better than no 2FA, but it's vulnerable to SIM-swapping attacks where hackers convince your carrier to transfer your number. Use authenticator apps (Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator) or hardware security keys (YubiKey) instead. Keep SMS as a backup method only.

Can I use the same strong password for multiple accounts?

Never. If one account is breached, all accounts with that password are compromised. Password managers make it effortless to use unique passwords everywhere.

What should I do if a website limits password length?

If a site limits passwords to 16 characters or fewer, use the maximum allowed length with all character types. After creating the account, contact their support to request they increase the limit. Sites with password length caps are using outdated security practices.

How do I recover accounts if I forget my master password?

You can't—that's the point. Write your master password on paper and store it in a physical safe or safety deposit box. Some password managers offer emergency access features where trusted contacts can request access after a waiting period. Never store your master password digitally.

Final Password Security Checklist

Complete these 10 actions in the next 24 hours:

1. ☐ Install a password manager (1Password, Bitwarden, or Dashlane)
2. ☐ Create a strong master password using Diceware or our generator (6+ random words)
3. ☐ Generate unique passwords for your email accounts (all of them)
4. ☐ Update your banking, financial, and shopping account passwords
5. ☐ Change any reused passwords starting with high-value accounts
6. ☐ Enable two-factor authentication on your email and password manager
7. ☐ Save backup codes for every account with 2FA in your password manager
8. ☐ Delete all passwords stored in Notes, screenshots, or text files
9. ☐ Run your password manager's security audit and fix flagged issues
10. ☐ Share this guide with family members who still use "123456"

Take Control of Your Security Today

You now know more about password security than 90% of internet users. You understand entropy, passphrases, and why "P@ssw0rd!" doesn't cut it anymore. But knowledge without action changes nothing.

Start right now: Generate your first strong password, save it in a password manager, and enable two-factor authentication on your email. Three simple steps, five minutes total, and you've just blocked 99% of attacks on your accounts.

Your future self—the one who doesn't have to deal with identity theft, drained bank accounts, or hacked social media—will thank you.

Bookmark this guide and share it. Someone you know is using "Summer2024!" right now and doesn't realize the risk.