Passphrases and passwords are authentication measures used for accessing accounts, software, and hardware systems. While they serve the same purpose, passphrases and passwords differ in complexity, length, and structure. This article will look at their differences and benefits to help you decide which one’s right for you.
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A password is an alphanumeric combination of letters, special characters, and numbers that verify a user accessing an account. Passwords are commonly used to secure devices, networks, and various online platforms, from personal email to online banking.
Passwords are typically shorter than passphrases, usually around 8 to 10 characters long. However, password security experts recommend a minimum password length of 12 characters to ensure the password is not easy to crack.
AExperts also recommend making passwords more complex by including a random mix of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.
Here are a few examples of passwords:
A passphrase is a combination of words that form a memorable phrase, typically with spaces between them. Passphrases are usually longer than 14 characters and should contain unrelated words to make them more secure. Because a passphrase is longer and more complex than a traditional password, it is considered a more secure authentication method. The concept behind a passphrase is that longer words or phrases are more resistant to brute force attacks (when attackers attempt to crack passwords by trying different combinations).
The main strength of passphrases is that they use unrelated words to create a unique phrase. Here are a few examples of passphrases:
Combining several random words makes passphrases more memorable than a long string of unrelated characters. They don’t have to be grammatically correct, so you can be as creative as you like.
However, it’s important to avoid common phrases. For example, the following passphrases could be relatively easy for hackers to guess:
Passphrases can secure various accounts, from email and online banking to social media profiles. They provide an effective and secure authentication method, particularly if used with additional factors like two-factor authentication (2FA)or biometric verification.
Both passwords and passphrases are designed to allow you to access your accounts while preventing unauthorized parties from doing so. However, they have several key differences, such as:
When we first started using passwords, it was common to use personal passcodes (e.g., a favorite flower, childhood nickname, birth date, or pet’s name).
However, hackers found ways to guess these passwords based on the user’s name, social media profiles, and other online information.
Then came impersonal passwords, such as using a plain, random dictionary word. However, using a dictionary word meant hackers could guess it with the help of dictionary-cracking programs. Known as dictionary attacks, these cyberattacks try all known words and names to crack your password. If your password is a plain dictionary word, breaking into your account becomes much easier.
To protect ourselves from these attacks, we started composing passwords of numbers, letters, and special characters. While such combinations add an element of difficulty, humans are also relatively predictable. The special characters that replace letters are now common, for example:
To overcome this predictability, we’ve made passwords longer and more complex.
While a complex password can still be a secure solution for keeping out hackers, complex passwords are harder to remember. As a result, users have to reset passwords more often — or look for secure ways to save and autofill them.
Now that you know why passwords may not be the most optimal solution, let’s look at why passphrases provide a better alternative.
Generally, passphrases are easier to remember than passwords. If a password uses several special characters as well as various upper and lowercase letters and is long enough, it’s probably difficult to remember. On the other hand, passphrases (like “Correct Horse Battery Staple”) are easier to memorize.
Hackers use various methods to crack passwords, including technologically advanced password-cracking tools. Because passphrases are longer and more complex, they’re typically harder to crack.
Most major applications and operating systems allow up to 127 characters for passwords. This character limit means you can create passphrases of five or more-word passphrases, making it much more difficult for cybercriminals to guess.
You can easily change a passphrase to satisfy complexity rules. For example, instead of combining five unrelated words, you can add one special character, start each word with an uppercase letter, or add one number at the end — and your passphrase will meet the requirements.
Creating a strong, unique passphrase is an effective way to keep your accounts safe. Here are some tips to follow:
No, storing passwords and passphrases in your web browser isn’t as safe as you think.
Many users are tempted to keep their passwords in a web browser. After all, it’s easy and convenient, with browsers frequently asking if you want to save and autofill passwords so you can log in easily next time. But keeping your passwords in a web browser poses some serious risks.
Instead of relying on your web browser to store your passwords and passphrases, use a password manager. Password managers are designed to help you effectively manage your passwords, credit card details, and other sensitive information while keeping it all secure. A trusted, specially designed password manager will protect your login credentials and other sensitive data in ways that a web browser cannot.
For example, NordPass password manager is a highly secure, simple, and powerful tool for storing passwords and sensitive information. It keeps everything in an encrypted vault only you can access (from anywhere and on any device).
NordPass comes with several handy features, such as a password generator that creates strong, hard-to-crack passwords for you. NordPass also has Password Health, a feature that allows you to check if your password is secure.
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