BeCyberSmart: How Fast Can a Hacker Break YOUR Password?

2023 Password Cracking Times: Faster Than You Think!

No. of Characters	Numbers Only	Lowercase Letters	Upper and Lowercase Letters	Numbers, Upper and Lowercase Letters	Numbers, Upper and Lowercase Letters, Symbols
4	Instantly	Instantly	Instantly	Instantly	Instantly
5	Instantly	Instantly	Instantly	Instantly	Instantly
6	Instantly	Instantly	Instantly	Instantly	Instantly
7	Instantly	Instantly	1 sec	2 secs	4 secs
8	Instantly	Instantly	28secs	2 mins	5 mins
9	Instantly	3 secs	24 mins	2 hours	6 hours
10	Instantly	1 min	21 hours	5 days	2 weeks
11	Instantly	32 mins	1 month	10 months	3 years
12	1 sec	14 hours	6 years	53 years	226 years
13	5 secs	2 weeks	332 years	3k years	15k years
14	52 secs	1 year	17k years	202k years	1m years
15	9 mins	27 years	898k years	12m years	77m years
16	1 hour	713 years	46m years	779m years	5bn years
17	14 hour	18k years	2bn years	48bn years	380bn years
18	6 days	481k years	126bn years	2tn years	26tn years

The Importance of Strong Passwords

Passwords are the first line of defense in protecting access to personal accounts and sensitive information online. A strong, unique password is crucial for the security of your digital profile. Unfortunately, with the convenience of digital technology comes the risk of hacking and data breaches. Employing a robust password is a simple, yet vital step to safeguard your digital identity.

Oberlin’s ObieID Password Policy

To enhance security for the Oberlin community, we’ve implemented a password policy for ObieID accounts. Here are the specifications for creating a strong ObieID password:

• The longer, the better: A password that is longer than 14 characters is ideal for optimum security.
• Must include at least:
  • One lower-case letter.
  • One upper-case letter.
  • One number (0–9).
  • One symbol (e.g., !@#$%^&*).
• Cannot include:
  • Part of the ObieID username.
  • User’s first name.
  • User’s last name.

This policy ensures that each ObieID password is complex and unique, making it difficult for cybercriminals to guess or crack your password through brute force attacks or other malicious methods.

Tips for Creating Strong Passwords

Beyond adhering to Oberlin’s password policy, consider the following general tips for creating and managing strong passwords:

• Use a passphrase: Consider using a passphrase—a sequence of words and other characters—rather than a simple word. This creates a longer password that’s harder to crack but can still be memorable.
• Avoid common words and phrases: Steer clear of using easily guessable passwords like “password”, “123456”, or “qwerty”. These are often the first options cybercriminals try.
• Update regularly: Change your passwords periodically. If a password is compromised, updating it can help protect your account from unauthorized access.
• Use a password manager: Remembering multiple strong passwords can be challenging. A password manager can generate and store complex passwords for you, significantly enhancing your online security.

Secure Your Digital World

Taking the time to create a strong password is a fundamental step in securing your digital life. With Oberlin’s ObieID password policy and these general password tips, you’ll be well on your way to protecting your accounts and personal information from cyber threats.

Stay tuned for more BeCyberSmart tips throughout Cybersecurity Awareness Month!