A strong password is a password that is designed to be highly secure and difficult for unauthorized individuals or automated programs to guess or crack. It is an essential aspect of maintaining online security and protecting sensitive information.
Here are some characteristics of a strong password:
Length: A strong password is typically at least 8 to 12 characters long. The longer the password, the harder it is to crack. Aim for a length of 12 characters or more if possible.
Complexity: A strong password should include a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Mixing different character types increases the complexity and makes the password more secure.
Avoid Predictable Patterns: Avoid using common patterns or sequences such as "123456" or "qwerty" as they are easily guessable. Similarly, avoid using personal information like your name, Birthdate, or phone number.
Unique and Random: Each online account should have a unique password. Avoid reusing passwords across multiple accounts, as it increases the risk of compromise. Use a password manager to securely store and generate random passwords for each account.
Avoid Common Dictionary Words: Avoid using common dictionary words or easily guessable terms in your password. Dictionary attacks involve trying commonly used words to crack passwords quickly.
Regularly Update: It's good practice to change your passwords periodically, especially for critical accounts. Update your passwords every few months or immediately if there is a security breach or suspicious activity.
Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Consider enabling two-factor authentication when available. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification, such as a code sent to your mobile device, in addition to your password.
Remember, no password is entirely foolproof, and security measures are constantly evolving. It's important to stay vigilant, use strong passwords, and keep up with best practices for online security.
The time required to crack a password depends on several factors, including the length and complexity of the password, the computational resources available to the attacker, and the specific cracking techniques used. Here are some general estimates to give you an idea:
Brute Force Attack: In a brute force attack, the attacker systematically tries every possible combination of characters until the correct password is discovered. The time required for a brute force attack grows exponentially with the length and complexity of the password. For example:
A 6-character password composed of uppercase and lowercase letters and numbers can be cracked in seconds to minutes.
An 8-character password with a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters could take days to weeks.
A 12-character password with similar complexity could take centuries or longer to crack using traditional computing resources.
Dictionary Attack: In a dictionary attack, the attacker uses a pre-existing list of common words, phrases, and variations to guess the password. This method is faster than brute force, but it relies on users using common or easily guessable passwords. Strong and unique passwords are more resistant to dictionary attacks.
Rainbow Tables: A rainbow table is a precomputed table of password hashes and their corresponding plaintext values. It can significantly speed up the process of cracking passwords. However, using techniques such as salting (adding random data to the password before hashing) and using strong hashing algorithms can mitigate the effectiveness of rainbow tables.
Advanced Techniques: Advanced techniques, such as using specialized hardware (e.g., GPUs or ASICs) or distributed computing power, can greatly increase the speed of password cracking. These techniques can reduce the time required to crack passwords significantly.
It's important to note that the estimates provided are general and can vary depending on the specific circumstances. As technology advances, cracking techniques improve, and computational resources become more powerful, it is crucial to regularly update passwords and use strong, unique passwords to maintain security. Additionally, enabling measures like two-factor authentication can provide an extra layer of protection against password cracking attempts.
Use Strong Passwords - Harvard Univeristy