How to Generate Passwords Resistant to Brute-Force Attacks
How to generate passwords resistant to brute-force attacks is essential in securing online accounts. By following best practices you can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access.
- Aim for long, unique passwords or passphrases (14+ characters).
- Use a reputable password manager to store them securely.
- Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever possible.
- Avoid reusing passwords across sites and services.
- Regularly audit and update passwords as part of your security routine.
Why use strong passwords
Strong, unique passwords dramatically increase the time and effort required for brute-force attackers. They reduce the chance of credential stuffing and domain breaches. For authoritative guidelines, see NIST SP 800-63B and OWASP Password Storage resources. You can also explore general concepts on Password strength and brute-force basics on Brute-force attacks.
How to create brute-force resistant passwords
- Choose long passwords or passphrases. Target 14+ characters with a mix of upper/lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
- Prefer random generation or a password manager to avoid predictable patterns.
- Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) for an extra security layer beyond passwords.
- Use a unique password for every service to limit damage from a single breach.
- Avoid common substitutions that attackers recognize (e.g., 0 for o, 1 for l).
- Regularly review and rotate passwords after security incidents or policy changes.
- Test password strength with trusted tools and keep the master password secure.
Weak vs. strong passwords: a quick table
| Aspect | Weak Password | Strong Password / Generated |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 6–8 characters | 14+ characters |
| Entropy | Low, predictable | High, random |
| Predictability | Vulnerable to common patterns | Resistant to guessing |
| Reuse | Often reused | Unique per site |
| Storage | Often insecure (plaintext or reused) | Safely stored by password managers |
Safe and legal use
Use password best practices only for accounts you own. Do not attempt to break into others’ services. Always follow local laws and terms of service. For general security awareness, refer to Google Safety and trusted security resources.
FAQ
A brute-force attack tries many password combinations to guess a password, often using automation.
For a long, high-entropy password (14+ chars), attempts grow exponentially; it becomes impractical to crack with standard hardware.
Yes. Password managers store long, unique passwords securely and simplify password hygiene across sites.
A passphrase uses words or phrases that are easier to remember but can be highly secure when long and random enough.
Yes. Multi-factor authentication adds a second factor, making password theft far less effective.
Take action
Further reading: Password strength, Brute-force attacks, OWASP Password Storage Cheat Sheet, NIST SP 800-63B.