What Makes a Strong Password?
A strong password has three key properties: length, complexity, and uniqueness. The longer and more random your password is, the harder it becomes for attackers to crack it — even with modern computing power capable of billions of guesses per second.
Our generator uses cryptographically secure randomness (the Web Crypto API) to ensure each character is truly unpredictable. This is fundamentally different from Math.random()-based generators that many websites use.
How the Strength Meter Works
Password strength is measured in bits of entropy — a mathematical measure of randomness. The formula is simple: entropy = length × log₂(pool size). A 16-character password using all character types (uppercase, lowercase, numbers, symbols) has about 105 bits of entropy, which would take billions of years to crack.
Password Best Practices
- Use a unique password for every account
- Make passwords at least 12 characters long
- Use a password manager to store them securely
- Enable two-factor authentication wherever possible
- Never share passwords via email or messaging
- Consider passphrases — they are easier to remember and very secure
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should my password be?
Security experts recommend a minimum of 12 characters, but 16 or more is ideal. Each additional character exponentially increases the time required to crack the password through brute force. A 16-character password using mixed character types has roughly 105 bits of entropy, which is practically uncrackable with current technology. For passphrases, aim for at least 4 words separated by a character or number.
Are passphrases more secure than random passwords?
A well-constructed passphrase of 4 or more random words can be just as secure as a shorter random password while being significantly easier to remember. The key is randomness. Picking words from a large dictionary at random produces strong entropy. Avoid using common phrases, song lyrics, or predictable word combinations. Our passphrase generator selects words randomly from a curated word list to ensure strong security.
Is it safe to generate passwords in my browser?
Yes. This tool runs entirely in your browser using JavaScript. No passwords are sent to any server, stored in any database, or logged anywhere. The random generation uses the Web Crypto API, which provides cryptographically secure random values. You can verify this by disconnecting from the internet and confirming the tool still works, or by checking the network tab in your browser developer tools.
Should I use a password manager instead of memorizing passwords?
Absolutely. A password manager lets you use a unique, strong password for every account without having to remember each one. You only need to memorize one strong master password or passphrase. This eliminates the biggest security risk most people face: reusing the same password across multiple services. If one service gets breached, your other accounts remain protected.
Strong passwords protect individual accounts, but site-level security requires a broader approach — rate limiting, WAF rules, regular dependency updates, and proper server configuration. If you run a WordPress site that handles sensitive data, this guide on WordPress security at scale covers the full stack from application hardening to infrastructure.