- How does the password strength checker work?
- Our password strength checker uses the advanced zxcvbn algorithm, developed by Dropbox, which analyzes passwords based on multiple factors including length, complexity, pattern matching, and common password databases. It provides a score from 0-4 and estimates how long it would take to crack the password using different methods.
- What makes a password strong?
- A strong password typically includes: 1) At least 12 characters in length, 2) A mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, 3) Numbers and special characters, 4) No common words or patterns, 5) No personal information. Our tool analyzes all these factors and more to give you a comprehensive security assessment.
- Is it safe to check my password here?
- Yes, it's completely safe. This tool runs entirely in your browser (client-side), and your password is never sent to any server or stored anywhere. You can even use this tool offline once it's loaded in your browser.
- What do the different strength scores mean?
- The strength scores range from 0 to 4: 0 (Very Weak) - Easily guessable, 1 (Weak) - Guessable, 2 (Fair) - Somewhat guessable, 3 (Strong) - Safely unguessable, 4 (Very Strong) - Very unguessable even with powerful computing resources.
- How accurate is the crack time estimation?
- The crack time estimates are based on real-world password cracking techniques and modern computing capabilities. While they're good approximations, actual crack times may vary depending on the attacker's resources and methods. The estimates help you understand your password's relative strength.
- Should I use special characters in my password?
- While special characters can increase password strength, modern password security focuses more on length and unpredictability. A long passphrase without special characters can be stronger than a short password with special characters. Our tool analyzes both approaches and provides specific recommendations.