Which characteristics define a strong password?

Which characteristics define a strong password?

• A. 8 characters max
• B. Length (12+ characters) with complexity or passphrases
• C. Reuse across multiple accounts
• D. No complexity, just regular

Answer: (B)

A strong password relies on enough length combined with unpredictability to make guessing and cracking impractical. A password of twelve or more characters that uses a mix of character types or is a well-constructed passphrase creates a vast number of possible combinations, so brute-force or dictionary attacks take far longer. The idea is to maximize entropy: more characters and varied symbols or a memorable but non-obvious phrase both raise the difficulty for an attacker while keeping the password workable for you. Short or simple passwords fall quickly to attacks because there are far fewer possible combinations to try. Reusing the same password across multiple accounts compounds risk—if one account is compromised, others tied to that same password are exposed.

A strong password relies on enough length combined with unpredictability to make guessing and cracking impractical. A password of twelve or more characters that uses a mix of character types or is a well-constructed passphrase creates a vast number of possible combinations, so brute-force or dictionary attacks take far longer. The idea is to maximize entropy: more characters and varied symbols or a memorable but non-obvious phrase both raise the difficulty for an attacker while keeping the password workable for you.

Short or simple passwords fall quickly to attacks because there are far fewer possible combinations to try. Reusing the same password across multiple accounts compounds risk—if one account is compromised, others tied to that same password are exposed.