Password security has become a crucial issue in an era where cyberattacks are on the rise. This content explains how long it takes to hack a password based on its length and complexity, using data published by Security.org and relayed by Statista.

How should this table be read?

This table shows the time required for a computer to try all possible combinations of a password, depending on:

• the number of characters
• the type of characters included
• character diversity

Les quatre colonnes correspondent à des niveaux de complexité différents :

2. At least one uppercase letter

lowercase letters + uppercase letters (ex : Abcdef)

3. At least one uppercase + number

lowercase letters + uppercase letters + numbers (ex : Abc123)

4. Uppercase + number + symbol

lowercase letters + uppercase letters + numbers + symbols (ex : Abc123!@#)

The more types of characters there are, the greater the number of combinations.

Analysis and interpretation of the table

Short passwords (1 to 7 characters)

No matter how complex they are, they are cracked instantly.
Machines test billions of combinations per second: a 7-character password is too short to resist.

From 8 characters: beginning of resistance

• 8 minuscules → Instantaneous
• 8 with capital letters → 22 minutes
• 8 with capital letters + numbers → 1 hour
• 8 complexes → 8 hours

An 8-character password is insufficient for most uses.

Between 9 and 10 characters: adequate strength

• 9 mixed characters → 3 days
• 10 complex characters → several months to several years

This is where passwords start to become difficult to crack.

11–12 characters: strong security

• 11 complex characters → 400 years
• 12 complex characters → 34,000 years

Recommended for all important accounts (email, banking, social media).

Why length is the most important factor

Each additional character multiplies the number of possible combinations.
Simplified example:

• 6 characters → ≈ 300 million combinations
• 12 characters → hundreds of trillions

Even with fast algorithms, a long password lasts much longer.

How can you create a truly secure password?

Here are some simple best practices:

✔ Use at least 12 characters

This is now the minimum recommended standard.

✔ Mix :

• lowercase letters
• uppercase letters
• numbers
• symbols

✔Avoid personal information

(first name, date of birth, city, etc.)

✔ Use a passphrase

Examples :

• Blue-Tiger-Space-98!
• Sunset*robot*forest!42

✔ Never reuse the same password

If a website is hacked, all your accounts become vulnerable.

✔ Use a password manager

Such as Bitwarden, 1Password, or the one built into your browser.

Conclusion

According to data from Security.org (via Statista), password security depends mainly on:

1. of its length
2. of its complexity
3. the number of character types used

Today, a secure password must contain at least 12 characters and include several types of characters to ensure lasting protection against brute force attacks.