Test how secure your password is and get tips to make it stronger
Password Strength:
Why is having a strong password important?
A strong password is your first line of defense against unauthorized access to your accounts. Weak passwords can be cracked within seconds using modern computing power, while strong passwords can take years or even centuries to break, keeping your sensitive information safe from cybercriminals.
What makes a password vulnerable to attacks?
Passwords become vulnerable when they contain personal information (like birthdays or names), use common words or phrases, are too short, or are reused across multiple accounts. Hackers can use automated tools to try common passwords or personal information gathered from social media.
How often should I change my passwords?
Security experts recommend changing passwords every 3-6 months for critical accounts (like banking and email). However, it's more important to have a strong, unique password for each account than to change weak passwords frequently.
Why shouldn't I use the same password for multiple accounts?
Using the same password across multiple accounts is risky because if one account gets compromised, all your other accounts become vulnerable. This is known as 'credential stuffing' - hackers try stolen passwords on multiple services.
Are password managers safe to use?
Yes, reputable password managers are very safe. They use strong encryption to protect your passwords and can generate unique, complex passwords for each account. This is much safer than trying to remember multiple passwords or writing them down.
What is two-factor authentication and why should I use it?
Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security by requiring something you know (password) and something you have (like your phone) to log in. Even if someone gets your password, they can't access your account without the second factor.
Can my password be hacked even if it's strong?
While no password is 100% unbreakable, strong passwords are extremely difficult to crack through brute force methods. However, passwords can still be compromised through data breaches, phishing, or malware. This is why it's important to use additional security measures like 2FA.
What should I do if my password is compromised?
If you suspect your password has been compromised: 1) Change it immediately, 2) Check for any unauthorized activity, 3) Change passwords on other accounts if you've reused the password, 4) Enable two-factor authentication if available, and 5) Consider using a password manager.
Why are special characters important in passwords?
Special characters increase the complexity of your password by adding more possible combinations. A password with only lowercase letters has 26 possible characters, but adding special characters, numbers, and uppercase letters increases this to over 90 possibilities per character.
What's the best way to create a memorable but strong password?
One effective method is to create a passphrase: combine multiple random words with numbers and special characters. For example, 'correct-horse-battery-staple' is more memorable than 'P@ssw0rd' and much more secure when combined with special characters: 'Correct-Horse-Battery-Staple-99!'.