How long would it take to crack YOUR password?
In today’s world, everything is online. From social media to banking, most of us rely on passwords to keep our digital lives secure. But how secure are your passwords? Let’s look at how long it would take to crack some common passwords and how you can protect yourself.
Why Password Security Matters
Privacy and security are valuable resources. Hackers and malicious actors target them constantly. For most people, a password is the first and sometimes only line of defense. If your password is weak, it can be cracked in seconds. This leaves your personal information vulnerable to theft and misuse.
It is more important than ever to create strong, unique passwords for all your online accounts. Using “password123” for every account is risky, no matter how easy it is to remember.
What Makes a Good Password?
A strong password has several key qualities:
- Length: The longer, the better. Aim for at least 14 characters.
- Complexity: Use a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.
- Unpredictability: Avoid common words, phrases, or patterns. Do not use personal information like your name or birthdate.
- Uniqueness: Use a different password for each account. If one password is compromised, your other accounts remain secure.
The more complex and unique a password is, the longer it takes to crack.
For example 123456 can be cracked in less than a second, while P@ssw0rd! takes about 3 days. A password like G7#kL9!mQ2$zX1&n could take centuries to crack with current technology.
Consider using passphrases: Instead of random characters, you can create memorable yet strong passwords using multiple random words. For example, correct-horse-battery-staple or BlueElephant$Jumps92Trees! are both long, easy to remember, and difficult to crack.
How to Manage Passwords
If you want a secure account, you need long, complex, and unique passwords, for every account. But how can you remember them all?
Use a password manager.
This can be a physical notebook or a digital password manager like Bitwarden (my personal choice), 1Password, LastPass, or Dashlane. These tools generate strong passwords and store them securely, so you do not have to remember each one.
Go Beyond Just Passwords
Passwords are the most common authentication method, but not the only or best option.
- OAuth: Many services let you sign in with an external provider (like Google, Facebook, or Apple). These providers often have stronger security measures.
- Two-factor authentication (2FA) or multi-factor authentication (MFA): Most services now offer this. It adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification, such as a code sent to your phone or a biometric scan.
Enable 2FA or MFA on all accounts that support it, especially for sensitive accounts like email and banking.
You can use a password manager to store your 2FA codes, but I recommend a dedicated app like Authy or Google Authenticator.
Test Your Password Strength
Want to see how strong your password is? Use the tool below. Feel free to use your real passwords, it runs entirely in your browser, and no data is sent anywhere.
Try entering a password
Password strength: Change immediately
Conclusion
Update your passwords today. Do not wait until it is too late. Create strong, unique passwords for all your online accounts and enable 2FA or MFA wherever possible. Your digital life is worth protecting.
If you are unsure whether your passwords are strong enough, use the tool above to test them. Stay safe out there!