A strong password is crucial for protecting your device and accounts from unauthorized access. It’s important to ensure that all your passwords are secure and robust.
Weak passwords are easier to guess or crack, making your accounts vulnerable to attacks. By following these tips, you can create strong passwords that provide better protection against potential threats.
How Quickly Can a Password Be Hacked
An Oberlin College bulletin from 2023 revealed how quickly some passwords can be hacked. With the right tools, hackers can crack supposedly strong passwords in minutes or even instantly. For example, a 7-character password with a mix of characters can be cracked in about four seconds.
The time required to crack longer and more complex passwords increases significantly based on the number and types of characters used.
It’s important to note that cracking times are longer on an iPhone due to built-in delays between password attempts, but even a standard six-digit passcode can be hacked in an average of 11 hours.
Rules for Creating Strong Passwords
In 2024, security experts recommend using passwords that are 12-16 characters long and include a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. While some services may not allow symbols, try to include at least a basic symbol like an exclamation mark or question mark.
Avoid simple letter substitutions with numbers and symbols as hackers are familiar with these common practices. Instead, focus on creating unique and unpredictable passwords to enhance security.
Additional rules for strong passwords include:
- Variety: Avoid using common dictionary words
- Non-sequential numbers: Randomize the order of numbers
- Unpredictability: Avoid using easily accessible personal information
- Uniqueness: Use a different password for each account
Utilize iPhone’s Password Manager
Until the release of iOS 18’s Apple Passwords app, make use of iCloud Keychain or other password managers to create and store secure passwords. iCloud Keychain automatically suggests passwords for Safari and apps, ensuring strong password practices.
To enable iCloud Keychain:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone
- Tap your name at the top, then go to iCloud
- Ensure Passwords and Keychain is turned On
Password Maintenance Tips
Regularly changing your passwords, enabling Two-Factor Authentication (2FA), and checking for compromised passwords are essential for maintaining strong password security. By following these simple rules, you can confidently manage and protect your online accounts.
