 "Users tend to be overconfident about their passwords, thinking they have a robust password. But most common 8-character password can be cracked in less than a day. Image Credit: Pexels")
37 seconds — that’s all it takes a seasoned hacker to brute force his or her way through some of the most commonly kinds of passwords. This is assuming that you have set your password using 8 characters. If you’re one of those who still uses an old, shorter password, it takes them even less.
Recent findings from IT firm Hive Systems shed light on the significance of password length and complexity in thwarting hacking attempts. According to their latest research, a basic eight-character password has no chance against brute force attacks by hackers and can be cracked in under 37 seconds.
However, the solution to this is also very easy — simply increase the length of the password by doubling it to 16 characters. By doing this, you are extending the time it takes the hacker to break through to over a century.
This stark contrast highlights the pivotal role that the length of your password has in your digital security.
The 2024 edition of Hive Systems’ password table, a staple in the cybersecurity community, shows the time required to crack passwords using state-of-the-art consumer-accessible hardware. Notably, this table is meticulously updated annually to show the advancements made in password encryption technology.
While many websites currently mandate passwords with a minimum of eight characters, cybersecurity experts are advocating for a shift towards longer, more intricate passwords. An extended password not only expands the pool of potential combinations but also serves as a massive barrier against malicious attempts..
Diving deeper into the intricacies of password security, Hive Systems also highlights how randomness in setting up a password, can be of great value.
Passwords generated from predictable patterns or commonly used phrases are very easy to crack. Thus, users need to use randomly generated passwords as they prove to be a rather prudent strategy in offsetting any potential security risks.
These findings highlight the urgent need for better safety online. Websites like “How Secure Is My Password?” help people check how strong their passwords are. They also suggest changes if needed. Password managers are another helpful tool. They keep passwords safe and organized, so you don’t have to remember them all.
But it’s not just about making passwords more complicated. Adding extra security steps, like two-factor authentication, can make it even harder for hackers to get in.
Instead of always changing your password, experts suggest focusing on making it strong and unique. This means creating passwords that are hard to guess and changing them immediately if there’s any sign they’ve been compromised.
As technology advances, we need to stay ahead in protecting our online accounts. By making sure our passwords are long, complex, and unique, we can keep our personal information safe from cyber threats.