Password Generator

State-of-the-art password-guessing software can guess passwords with up to 14-16 characters. Unfortunately, this is more than most people can remember. As of 2024, advancements in password-cracking tools, including AI integration, have significantly increased their efficiency.

For most non-critical Internet services, shorter passwords (e.g., eight random characters, or three random words) are usually enough. If you are generating passwords for servers or other security-critical applications, we recommend using maximum-length passwords (16 characters). 

Generally, recognized password standards advise always incorporating a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters and regularly updating passwords while avoiding common patterns or phrases.

Key Features of Strong Random Password Generators

Strong random password generators are essential for protecting against modern cyber threats and meeting security and compliance requirements. These tools create random, high-entropy passwords that align with industry standards while reducing human error. Organizations can strengthen security and demonstrate a commitment to protecting sensitive data by adopting automated password solutions.

A strong password relies on three critical factors: complexity, length, and randomness. Complexity requires a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters to make guessing difficult. Length is equally crucial, with passwords of at least 12–16 characters significantly increasing resistance to brute-force and dictionary attacks.

Randomness eliminates patterns that attackers can exploit. Human-generated passwords often follow predictable sequences, making them vulnerable to breaches. High entropy, or unpredictability, strengthens passwords, reducing the chances of successful cracking attempts.

Enterprise-grade password generators must integrate seamlessly with IT infrastructure. Compatibility with Identity Access Management (IAM) systems ensures centralized enforcement of security policies. This integration keeps password policies consistent across users and prevents weak credentials from compromising security.

Automation is key to scalability and compliance. Enterprises operating in multi-cloud and hybrid environments require password generators that adapt to dynamic needs. Automated tools minimize human error, enforce security standards, and simplify password management across growing organizations.

SSH’s Online Password Generator

For the technically minded people, here is how this strong password generator works:

1. The entire password generator runs in the browser and is implemented in Javascript. You can audit the code by viewing the source code of this page. The generated password is never sent over the network.

2. Approximately 120 bits of randomness are fetched from https://www.random.org. This ensures good password quality even with old browsers.

3. 128 bits of cryptographic quality random data is added from your web browser (window.crypto.getRandomValues). Modern browsers support this, but older browsers do not. This random data ensures the password’s security, even against parties capable of reading HTTPS-encrypted data.

4. 32 bits of non-cryptographic quality randomness are added from your web browser (Math.random) as an extra security measure.

5. The random data from all three sources is concatenated, and the SHA256 hash function is used to derive a raw password from them.

6. The result is truncated to your requested password length (96, 64, or 48 bits, based on strength).

7. The truncated value is encoded either by using BASE64 encoding (with = characters removed from the end) or a dictionary of 65,536 words to encode each 16-bit group into a random word.

8. The resulting password is then displayed.

If you don't like the generated password, you can always generate a new one. For example, you might want to do this if the words seem hard to remember. Just click "Generate password" again—as many times as you like. Theoretically, selecting from multiple passwords makes them a bit weaker, but this does not matter in practice.

If you need a password with special characters, keep clicking on the "Generate password" button until the generated password contains a special character. You can also take just part of the generated password, and add your own characters for extra security.

Other Password Generators

1. Norton Password Generator

The Norton Password Generator is (was?) part of Norton’s IdentitySafe suite. Its key difference from more secure alternatives is that it generates passwords on the server instead of locally on the user’s device. Generating passwords on the server requires transmission over a network, creating additional vulnerabilities.

This means that the method it uses for generating the password cannot be independently verified, and anyone capable of breaking HTTPS encryption will be able to read the password while it is transmitted over the network. Governments and other entities have been known to routinely break HTTPS by using fake certificates or weaknesses in the SSL and TLS protocols.

Beyond transmission risks, the Norton Password Generator lacks essential enterprise security features. It does not offer customizable complexity settings, local generation, or integration with secure password vaults. Without these capabilities, organizations are left with a limited tool that does not meet enterprise security standards.

Consequently, we do not recommend using the Norton Password Generator. The reliance on server-side generation, lack of encryption safeguards, and exposure to network-based threats make it unsuitable for environments requiring strong security controls. Enterprises should opt for password generators that prioritize encryption, local generation, and verifiable security measures.

2. XKCD Random Password Generator

The XKCD Random Password Generator is a well-known tool, but it has significant limitations that make it unsuitable for enterprise use. While designed to create memorable passwords, its security flaws undermine its reliability. It lacks essential cryptographic safeguards, making the generated passwords vulnerable to attacks.

The XKCD Random Password Generator doesn’t use any cryptographic entropy on the client side. While it gets some entropy from the server, its source and quality are unknown, raising concerns about true randomness. The absence of client-side entropy suggests limited knowledge of cryptography and randomness, making its security questionable.

A major issue is the tool’s weak password strength. The generated passwords (four-word combinations) contain less than 44 bits of randomness, making them weaker than even basic passwords. Such low entropy means brute-force attacks can crack these passwords in a relatively short time, posing a serious risk in enterprise environments.

However, worst of all, it does not use HTTPS and sends the generated passwords over the network in the clear. Transmitting passwords in plain text without encryption in such a manner exposes them to interception. Unencrypted password transmission is a critical security failure for enterprises handling sensitive data.

These shortcomings—questionable randomness, weak password strength, and lack of encryption—make this tool a poor fit for secure applications. Thus, we absolutely do not recommend using the XKCD Random Password Generator. You can generate stronger, more secure passwords using a generator that follows cryptographic best practices.

3. Secure Password Generator

The so-called Secure Password Generator suffers from several weaknesses. Most importantly, it generates passwords on a server using an AJAX call and transmits them over the internet without encryption. Thus, almost anyone can see your password from the network, and intelligence agencies are likely recording such traffic.

Furthermore, the password is generated on the server, with no means of verifying how it is generated. Without transparency (knowing if generated passwords are truly random) or client-side entropy, password security cannot be guaranteed. These vulnerabilities make it an unreliable choice for enterprises, as the whole password generation process is questionable.

This tool’s lack of encryption and secure storage further undermine its trustworthiness. Any password generated could be exposed to unauthorized access, violating security best practices and compliance standards. Organizations handling sensitive data must prioritize tools that ensure secure transmission, proper encryption, and robust storage mechanisms.

Thus, we absolutely do not recommend using it for generating any passwords. Enterprise security requires strong encryption, verifiable randomness, and airtight data protection—features this tool lacks. Organizations must opt for secure password management solutions that meet modern cybersecurity and compliance requirements.

4. SSH PrivX™ Hybrid PAM

PrivX™ Hybrid Privileged Access Management (PAM) by SSH Communications Security delivers a forward-thinking approach to access management by eliminating reliance on traditional passwords. Its passwordless authentication model uses ephemeral certificates instead of static credentials, reducing the risk of credential theft. Short-lived certificates ensure that access data, even when exposed, cannot be reused or exploited by attackers.

A core strength of PrivX™ is its zero-trust, just-in-time access framework. Users receive access only when needed, with strict, time-limited permissions to minimize security risks. By eliminating permanent credentials, this best-in-class solution reduces the dangers of credential sprawl and unauthorized long-term access.

Seamless integration with Identity and Access Management (IAM) and Identity Governance and Administration (IGA) systems enables centralized and automated identity management. Administrators can provision, revoke, and audit access across enterprise environments from a single platform. This automation reduces manual effort, ensures policy compliance, and prevents privilege mismanagement. 

For businesses operating in hybrid or multi-cloud infrastructures, PrivX™ provides unmatched scalability. It adapts to dynamic IT environments by automating access provisioning across on-premises, private cloud, and public cloud systems. This flexibility makes it a powerful solution for organizations with evolving security needs.

PrivX™ also strengthens compliance and operational oversight with advanced session monitoring and audit logging. Administrators can track user activity, generate detailed audit trails, and ensure adherence to security policies. These capabilities simplify compliance reporting and enhance security visibility, making PrivX a robust choice for modern enterprises.

Step Into the Future of Secure Access Management With Privx™

Strong passwords remain essential for securing sensitive systems, but traditional password management is no longer enough. As cyber threats evolve, attackers increasingly exploit weak passwords, credential reuse, and predictable patterns. Enterprises must adopt solutions that generate high-entropy passwords while integrating seamlessly into security frameworks to minimize vulnerabilities.

One of the best ways to mitigate password risks is by adopting passwordless authentication methods. This is particularly recommended in critical infrastructures and large IT environments, as it eliminates the need to enforce traditional password policies, manage credentials, and rotate passwords. Passwordless authentication ensures users never see or handle credentials, eliminating the risk of theft, exposure, or brute-force attacks.

PrivX™ by SSH provides passwordless authentication, allowing users to authenticate themselves to IT and OT systems without administrators needing to vault, rotate, or manage passwords. It leverages zero-trust just-in-time access, ephemeral certificates, and automated identity management to eliminate static credentials and reduce attack surfaces. 

The future of access security is passwordless, reducing complexity while strengthening enterprise defenses. PrivX™ also supports hybrid and multi-cloud environments, ensuring seamless integration with IAM systems for a scalable, cost-efficient security model. Book a demo today to discover a smarter way to secure your systems.

FAQ

What is a strong random password generator?

A strong random password generator creates secure, unpredictable passwords using a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. It ensures high entropy, making passwords resistant to brute force attacks and safeguarding sensitive accounts.

Why are strong, random passwords important?

Strong, random passwords prevent unauthorized access by resisting brute force and credential-stuffing attacks. They enhance security, protect sensitive data, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards requiring robust authentication practices.

What features should an enterprise password generator have?

An enterprise password generator should provide long, complex, and unpredictable passwords, integrate with IAM systems, support hybrid environments, and automate password policies for consistent compliance and scalability.

How does password randomness improve security?

Password randomness eliminates predictability, making it nearly impossible for attackers to guess or crack using automated tools. High randomness ensures stronger protection against dictionary and brute force attacks.

What alternatives exist to traditional password-based security?

Alternatives include passwordless authentication using biometrics, ephemeral certificates, and device-based access. These methods align with zero-trust principles, reducing dependency on static passwords while enhancing security and usability.