What Makes a Strong Password?

A strong password is crucial for protecting your online accounts and personal information. Several factors contribute to password strength:

• Length: Longer passwords are generally more secure. Aim for at least 12-16 characters, or more.
• Complexity: Use a mix of character types: uppercase letters (A-Z), lowercase letters (a-z), numbers (0-9), and symbols (e.g., !, @, #, $).
• Unpredictability: Avoid common words, phrases, dictionary words, keyboard patterns (like "qwerty"), and easily guessable information like birthdays or names.
• Uniqueness: Use a different, strong password for each of your important accounts.

How This Password Strength Checker Works

This tool evaluates your password based on a set of rules and assigns a strength score. The criteria include:

• Password length.
• Presence of uppercase letters.
• Presence of lowercase letters.
• Presence of numbers.
• Presence of symbols.
• Checks for common sequences or easily guessable patterns (basic check).

The strength is typically categorized as Very Weak, Weak, Medium, Strong, or Very Strong. The visual bar and text feedback update in real-time as you type.

Important: This checker provides an estimate of password strength. For highly sensitive accounts, always follow best practices and consider using a password manager to generate and store complex, unique passwords.

Tips for Creating Strong Passwords

• Use a Passphrase: Consider using a memorable passphrase made of multiple random words (e.g., "CorrectHorseBatteryStaple"). These can be long and easier to remember than complex strings of characters.
• Avoid Personal Information: Don’t use your name, family members' names, birth dates, pet names, or other easily obtainable information.
• Don't Reuse Passwords: If one account is compromised, attackers won't gain access to your other accounts.
• Use a Password Manager: Password managers can generate highly complex passwords for you and store them securely, so you only need to remember one master password.
• Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Wherever possible, enable 2FA for an extra layer of security beyond your password.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to type my password here?

Yes, this password strength checker operates entirely within your web browser. Your password is not transmitted over the internet or stored anywhere. The analysis is done locally on your computer.

What if the checker says my password is weak?

If the tool indicates your password is weak or medium, you should consider changing it to a stronger one, especially for important accounts like email, banking, or social media.

How often should I change my passwords?

Traditional advice was to change passwords frequently. However, current best practices emphasize creating very strong, unique passwords for each account and only changing them if you suspect a compromise. Using a password manager helps manage this.