When was the last time you checked the strength of your login credentials? Weak or reused passwords are one of the easiest ways cybercriminals break into accounts.Even if a site encrypts data, attackers often bypass defenses with brute-force or dictionary attacks.

At mSecure, we use 256-bit Blowfish encryption to protect your entire database, not just usernames or single fields. But encryption alone isn’t enough – the strength of your passphrase plays a critical role in keeping your accounts safe.

See all mSecure features here.

Why Password Strength Matters

If a hacker obtains your encrypted database, they may try a brute force attack – software that automatically attempts millions of password combinations until it finds the right one. The stronger your password, the longer it will take to crack. Strong encryption plus a strong password gives you higher level of security.

How Password Length Affects Security

A secure password isn’t just long – it’s also diverse. Using a mix of lowercase letters, uppercase letters, numbers, and symbols makes it significantly harder to guess.

For example:

• A 4-digit PIN with only numbers (e.g., 2578) can be cracked in 1 second.
• A 4-character password using letters, numbers, and symbols (e.g., Bc1@) takes about 25 seconds.

The longer your password, the stronger it gets. In fact, one leading password recovery service reported in 2010 that their systems could attempt around 20 million passwords per second.

Here’s how password length impacts security:

• 6 characters: ~11 hours to crack
• 7 characters: ~6 weeks to crack
• 8 characters: ~5 months to crack
• 9 characters: ~10 years to crack

Clearly, adding just one or two extra characters makes a massive difference.

How to Create a Strong Password

Choosing a memorable but secure password can feel tricky. Here’s a simple process you can follow:

1. Start with a word or phrase you can remember. Example: “mountain.”
2. Add uppercase letters in unpredictable places. > “mOunTain.”
3. Swap letters with numbers (like “I” to “1”). > “mOunTa1n.”
4. Include special symbols (like “a” to “@”). > “mOunT@1n.”
5. Add an extra character for even more strength. >”mOunT@1n$.”

This approach turns a simple word into a strong password that’s far harder for hackers to guess.

Password Strength Mistakes to Avoid

Even if your password is nine characters long, using a common word or personal detail can make it easier to crack. Hackers use dictionary attacks, trying thousands of common words or first names first.

• Don’t use words like “football,” “ocean”, or your pet’s name.
• Don’t rely on simple substitutions like “Password1!”
• Do use a mix of characters, symbols, and numbers.
• Do use a passphrase or pattern only you will remember.

You can also test your existing passwords using tools like Have I Been Pwned to see if they’ve been exposed in breaches.

Why Your mSecure Password Strength Matters

Your password is also the decryption key that unlocks your mSecure database. Without it, even we can’t recover your data. That’s why it’s critical to create a password that’s both secure and memorable.

To learn more about how mSecure protects information, check out our mSecure’s Security Model page.

Conclusion

Even the best encryption can’t protect your data if you’re using a weak password. By creating a long, unique, and complex password, you’ll significantly reduce the chances of a hacker breaking into your accounts.

Strong passwords that include lowercase letters, uppercase letters, numbers, and symbols are the best defense against brute force attacks. Choose wisely, protect your accounts, and stay secure with mSecure.

Download the app today to protect your logins, secure your personal information, and take control of your digital security.