What is a strong password?
A strong password is a password that is difficult for another person or automated guessing tool to work out. It should be long, unique, random enough and not based on obvious personal information.
A strong password is hard to guess and used for one account only.
Why strong passwords matter
Strong passwords matter because weak or reused passwords make accounts easier to break into. If one reused password is exposed in a breach, attackers may try the same password on other accounts.
A strong password reduces guessing risk, but it is only one part of account security. Safe storage, multi-factor authentication and avoiding phishing are also important.
Create a strong password
Use the Password Generator to create a random password or random-word passphrase with a strength estimate.
What makes a password strong?
The strongest passwords are usually long, unique and unpredictable. They are not based on names, birthdays, common words or obvious patterns.
Strong password vs weak password
A weak password may look complicated but still follow a common pattern. A stronger password is harder to predict and should not be reused.
| Password type | Example pattern | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Weak password | Short word, name or date | Often easy to guess or find in common password lists. |
| Looks complex but predictable | Common word + year + symbol | Attackers often test these patterns. |
| Strong random password | Long random mix of characters | Harder to guess when generated randomly. |
| Strong passphrase | Several unrelated random words | Can be strong and easier to remember if words are truly random. |
The exact strength depends on the password, how it was created and whether it has been reused or exposed.
Strong passwords and password entropy
Password entropy estimates how unpredictable a password is. Higher entropy usually means more possible combinations and a harder password to guess.
Entropy is useful, but it is not the whole story. A password with a good-looking score can still be risky if it is reused, stored badly or entered into a fake login page.
Use entropy as a helpful estimate, not as a guarantee of safety.
How to create a strong password
- Use a password generator or password manager.
- Create a long random password or random-word passphrase.
- Use a different password for every account.
- Store passwords in a trusted password manager.
- Turn on multi-factor authentication where available.
- Avoid saving passwords in plain text documents or screenshots.
- Change passwords that may have been exposed in a breach.
Generate one now
Create a random password or passphrase with adjustable length and character options.
Password vs passphrase
A password is often a single string of characters. A passphrase is usually made from several words. Both can be strong if they are long, unique and random enough.
| Option | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Random-character password | Accounts saved in a password manager | Hard to remember without secure storage. |
| Random-word passphrase | Passwords you may need to type manually | Words must be random, not a quote or predictable phrase. |
Common password mistakes
- Reusing passwords: one breach can put multiple accounts at risk.
- Using personal information: names, birthdays, addresses and teams can be easier to guess.
- Following common patterns: word + year + symbol is often predictable.
- Storing passwords insecurely: avoid plain text notes, screenshots and shared documents.
- Ignoring multi-factor authentication: MFA can add protection even if a password is stolen.
- Trusting appearance only: symbols do not automatically make a short password strong.
How to use strong passwords safely
A strong password helps, but it should be part of a wider habit. Use unique passwords, store them safely and be careful where you type them.
- Check the website address before signing in.
- Use a password manager to fill trusted sites.
- Do not share passwords by email or chat.
- Use multi-factor authentication for important accounts.
- Update passwords if an account or service reports a breach.
Strong password FAQs
How long should a strong password be?
Longer is usually better. The right length depends on the account rules and how the password is generated, but short passwords are generally easier to guess.
Is a passphrase better than a password?
A passphrase can be strong if it is long and made from random words. A predictable phrase, quote or sentence is not the same as a random passphrase.
Can I reuse a strong password?
No. Reusing passwords is risky because one breached account can expose other accounts that use the same password.
What tool can create a strong password?
Use the Password Generator to create a random password or passphrase.