Password strength is mostly about length, randomness, and uniqueness. A “complex” password that is short or reused can still be weak in practice.
1) What makes a password strong?
- Length: longer is better (12+ is a baseline; 16–24 is excellent).
- Uniqueness: one password per site prevents “credential stuffing”.
- Randomness: avoid predictable patterns and common substitutions.
2) How password meters estimate strength
Meters typically estimate guessability using heuristics: character sets, length, and pattern detection. Some also estimate crack time using assumed attacker speeds. Treat it as guidance, not a guarantee.
3) Practical checklist
- Use a password manager to generate and store long random passwords.
- Enable 2FA (prefer passkeys or authenticator apps over SMS).
- Rotate passwords after breaches and stop reusing passwords.
Try the tools
- Password Generator — generate strong random passwords locally.
- Password Strength Tester — estimate strength in your browser.
- Secure Password Tips — actionable guidance.
FAQ
What matters most for password strength?
Length and uniqueness matter most. Use long, unique passwords per site.
Is a password strength meter always accurate?
It is an estimate. Different meters use different assumptions and models.
Should I reuse a strong password?
No. Reuse is one of the biggest risks. Use a password manager instead.