Using the Strong Password Generator
This tool creates strong, random passwords to help you secure your online accounts. All generation happens directly in your browser, meaning your passwords are never sent to a server.
- Adjust Settings: Use the slider to set your desired password length. Use the checkboxes to include or exclude different character types.
- Get Your Password: A new password is automatically generated when you change a setting. You can also click the regenerate button (↻) to get a new password with the same settings.
- Copy the Password: Click the "Copy" button to copy the password to your clipboard. For security, it's best to paste it directly into the password field rather than writing it down.
What Makes a Password "Strong"?
A strong password is one that is difficult for a computer to guess. This is not about making it hard for a human to remember, but about making it computationally expensive for an attacker to crack through brute-force methods (trying every possible combination).
The strength of a password is determined by two main factors:
- Length: This is the single most important factor. Every additional character you add increases the number of possible combinations exponentially, making it much harder to guess.
- Complexity: This refers to the variety of character types used. A password that includes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols has a much larger pool of possible characters for each position than one that only uses lowercase letters.
Understanding Entropy
Password strength is mathematically measured in "bits of entropy". A higher entropy value means a more secure password. This generator calculates an approximate entropy score to power the strength indicator. The calculation is based on the formula L * log2(N), where L is the password length and N is the number of possible characters in the character set you have selected. An entropy of 128 bits or higher is generally considered extremely secure.
Password Security Best Practices
- Use a Unique Password for Every Site: Never reuse passwords. If one site is breached and your password is leaked, attackers will try that same password on other popular sites.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): 2FA adds a second layer of security, usually a code from your phone, in addition to your password. This is one of the most effective ways to secure your accounts.
- Use a Password Manager: It is impossible for a human to remember dozens of long, complex, unique passwords. A password manager is a secure, encrypted application that generates and stores these passwords for you. You only need to remember one master password to unlock your vault.
- Avoid Personal Information: Do not use names, birthdays, pet names, or other easily guessable information in your passwords.