What’s the safest password to use?

60-second summary

Cybercriminals exploit weak passwords through brute force, dictionary attacks, and credential stuffing using stolen data. Keylogging and phishing capture credentials, while man-in-the-middle attacks intercept unencrypted communications. Learn mitigation techniques to protect yourself.

AMCO Security Top Tips:

• Use passphrases: Long, random phrases that are easy to remember.
• Password managers: Store unique passwords for each account.
• Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Adds an extra layer of security.
• Regular password updates: Change passwords after breaches.
• Avoid password sharing: Keep credentials private.
• Use adaptive authentication: Detect anomalies for extra verification.
• Implement account lockouts: Limit login attempts to reduce brute force risks.
• Biometric identification: Use fingerprints, face recognition, etc., for authentication.
• Hardware keys: Devices like YubiKeys provide phishing-resistant login.
• AI & machine learning: Detect suspicious activity and improve password hygiene.

Learn more & get details

To learn more about this subject, read our team’s full analysis below . . .

Characteristics of a Strong Password

A strong password is critical in protecting online accounts and data. To maximise security, it should incorporate several key features.

• Length: The longer the password, the harder it is to crack. Passwords should be at least 12-16 characters long, though 20+ characters provide even more protection.
• Complexity: A combination of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters adds complexity, making the password harder to guess or crack through automated methods.
• Unpredictability: A strong password avoids common phrases, dictionary words, and easily guessed sequences. Anything predictable, like “123456” or “password,” is a serious security risk.
• Uniqueness: Reusing passwords across multiple sites increases the potential damage of a breach. Each account should have a unique password to mitigate this risk.

Common Password Attacks and Vulnerabilities

Cybercriminals use various methods to bypass weak passwords and gain access to accounts:

• Brute Force Attacks: Attackers use software to try every possible password combination until they succeed. The longer and more complex your password, the harder it is to crack.
• Dictionary Attacks: These use large lists of common words and phrases to guess passwords quickly. Any password that includes easily guessable terms is vulnerable to this type of attack.
• Credential Stuffing: After a data breach, hackers may use stolen username-password combinations to try and access other platforms. This highlights the importance of using unique passwords across accounts.
• Keylogging & Phishing: Keyloggers record every keystroke, including passwords, while phishing tricks users into entering their credentials on fake websites.
• Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) Attacks: These attacks intercept communication between a user and a website to steal login credentials, especially when unencrypted connections or weak TLS implementations are used.

Mitigation Strategies for Improved Password Security

To reduce the risk of password-related vulnerabilities, consider implementing these practices:

• Use Passphrases: A passphrase is a series of random words linked together, making it long, complex, and easier to remember. For example, “CorrectHorseBatteryStaple!” is more secure than “P@ssw0rd123”.
• Password Managers: These tools generate and store unique, strong passwords for each account, reducing the need to remember complex combinations while ensuring strong security.
• Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): MFA requires a second verification step, such as a one-time passcode or biometric scan, making it much harder for attackers to access your account even with a stolen password.
• Keep Passwords Updated: Regularly update passwords, especially after a security breach. Checking breach databases like “Have I Been Pwned” can help identify compromised credentials.
• Avoid Password Sharing: Never share passwords over insecure channels like email or text messages, as these can be intercepted by attackers.
• Use Adaptive Authentication: Modern authentication systems analyse user behaviour and environmental factors, such as IP address or device, to identify unusual activity and request further verification if necessary.
• Implement Account Lockout Mechanisms: Enforce account lockouts after a certain number of failed login attempts to prevent brute force attacks. Be cautious, though, as this can also create denial-of-service issues if not balanced properly.

Advanced Authentication Methods

As cyber threats evolve, traditional passwords are no longer sufficient—advanced authentication methods provide stronger security and resilience against attacks. Some methods are:

• Biometric Identification: Biometrics, such as fingerprints, facial recognition, or iris scans, offer more secure authentication methods. Behavioural biometrics, like typing patterns or mouse movements, can add another layer of security by continuously monitoring user habits for abnormalities.
• Hardware Security Keys: Devices such as YubiKeys offer phishing-resistant authentication by using cryptographic evidence. These keys meet the FIDO2/WebAuthn standards, providing a much more secure alternative to traditional passwords.
• AI and Machine Learning: AI-driven systems can detect suspicious activity by analysing login behaviour, device data, and IP addresses. These systems improve password hygiene by suggesting stronger credentials and flagging exposed passwords.
• Decentralised Identity Solutions: Technologies such as blockchain allow users to manage their credentials safely without relying on centralised databases. Decentralised identity solutions, coupled with zero-knowledge proofs, allow verification without exposing sensitive information.

AMCO Recommendations

To enhance your password security:

• Use long, complex passphrases for increased length and unpredictability.
• Leverage password managers to store and generate unique passwords for each account.
• Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) to add a secondary layer of protection.
• Regularly update passwords and check for breaches using services like “Have I Been Pwned”.
• Avoid sharing passwords through insecure methods like email or text.
• Implement adaptive authentication for smarter, context-aware security.
• Consider biometric options or hardware keys for phishing-resistant authentication.
• Embrace AI and machine learning to detect and block suspicious logins.