How to check your password strength—and what to do about it

Passwords remain crucial despite the rise of biometric logins. Managing numerous accounts and passwords across various online services demands robust security measures. This article explores how to create and safeguard strong, unique passwords.

Crafting Strong Passwords:

Strong passwords are difficult to guess yet memorable. Avoid obvious choices like birthdays or pet names. Longer passwords incorporating special characters and numbers significantly enhance security against brute-force attacks. Crucially, never reuse passwords across different accounts. A compromised account jeopardizes all others sharing the same password.

Managing numerous complex passwords necessitates a password manager or utilizing browser-integrated tools. While writing down passwords is acceptable, ensure their storage is secure and discreet. Consider jotting down hints instead of the passwords themselves.

Password Strength Testing:

Numerous apps and websites assess password strength, often providing visual cues (e.g., color-coded indicators). Many registration processes offer password guidelines.

NordPass provides a convenient online password checker. Input your password (without saving it) to receive a strength assessment, estimated cracking time, and breach alerts. Similar tools are available from Bitwarden and Security.org.

Google offers a password checker integrated with Chrome and Android, analyzing saved passwords within your Google account. It detects reused or compromised passwords.

Apple users utilizing iCloud Keychain can assess password security via their devices (iPhone, iPad, Mac). The "Security Recommendations" feature highlights weak, reused, or leaked passwords.

Password managers (1Password, etc.) often include similar security features (e.g., 1Password's Watchtower) to alert users about weak or compromised passwords. Most password managers generate strong, random passwords, eliminating the need for users to remember complex strings.

Protecting Your Passwords:

Password managers are a crucial first step, but vigilance is essential. Protect access to your password manager by securing your devices (computers, smartphones) with strong PINs, passwords, or biometric authentication. Never leave devices unattended or unlocked.

Beyond brute-force attacks, be wary of social engineering scams. Never disclose your passwords. Keep your browser software updated to identify suspicious websites and avoid untrusted links in emails.

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