Password Strength Checker
Test your password security and learn how to create stronger passwords
Your password never leaves your device
Password Strength Criteria
- At least 12 characters long
- Contains uppercase and lowercase letters
- Contains numbers
- Contains special characters
- Avoids common patterns and dictionary words
This tool uses client-side JavaScript to evaluate password strength.
Your password is never transmitted over the internet or stored anywhere.
Creating strong, unique passwords is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your online accounts. A strong password acts as the first line of defense against unauthorized access to your personal information.
Password Security Best Practices
Length and Complexity
Use passwords that are at least 12 characters long and include a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.
Avoid Personal Information
Don't use easily guessable information like your name, birthday, or common words. Avoid sequential numbers or letters like "123456" or "abcdef".
Use Unique Passwords
Create a different password for each of your accounts. This prevents a breach on one site from affecting your other accounts.
Consider a Password Manager
Password managers can generate, store, and autofill strong, unique passwords for all your accounts, so you only need to remember one master password.
Password Creation Techniques
One effective method for creating strong, memorable passwords is to use a passphrase. This involves combining multiple random words with numbers and special characters. For example, "correct-horse-battery-staple" is more secure and easier to remember than a shorter, complex password like "P@s$w0rd".
Another technique is to create an acronym from a sentence that's meaningful to you. For example, "My first car was a blue 1990 Toyota Corolla!" could become "Mfcwab1990TC!".
What makes a strong password?
A strong password typically includes a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. It should be at least 12 characters long, avoid common words or phrases, and not include personal information that could be easily guessed.
Why is password strength important?
Password strength is crucial because weak passwords can be easily cracked by hackers using brute force attacks or dictionary-based methods. Strong passwords help protect your accounts from unauthorized access and potential data breaches.
How often should I change my passwords?
Current security recommendations suggest changing passwords only when necessary, such as after a suspected breach, rather than on a fixed schedule. However, using unique, strong passwords for each account and employing a password manager are more important practices.
Is it safe to check my password strength online?
Our Password Strength Checker evaluates your password locally in your browser - it is never sent to our servers or stored anywhere. For maximum security, you can also modify a real password slightly when testing, while maintaining its general pattern.
Should I use the same password for multiple accounts?
No, you should never reuse passwords across different accounts. If one account is compromised, attackers will try the same credentials on other popular services. Using unique passwords for each account limits the damage from a single breach.
What is two-factor authentication (2FA)?
Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification beyond your password. This is typically something you have (like your phone) or something you are (like your fingerprint). Enabling 2FA wherever possible significantly enhances your account security, even if your password is compromised.