Free Tool

Password Strength Checker

Test how strong your password is against common attack methods. Real-time analysis with entropy scoring, crack-time estimates, and improvement suggestions.

Your password never leaves your browser. All analysis runs locally in JavaScript - nothing is sent to any server.

Enter a Password

Start typing to see real-time strength analysis

100% Client-Side

This tool runs entirely in your browser. Your password is never transmitted, stored, or logged. You can verify this by disconnecting from the internet - the tool will still work.

Password Policy Recommendations (NCSC Guidelines)

RecommendationDetailsWhy It Matters
Minimum LengthAt least 12 charactersLength is the single biggest factor in password strength
No Complexity RulesDon’t force symbols/numbersForced complexity leads to predictable patterns like P@ssw0rd
Use PassphrasesThree or more random wordsEasier to remember, harder to crack than short complex passwords
Check Against BreachesBlock known compromised passwordsMillions of passwords are publicly available from data breaches
Multi-Factor AuthenticationEnable MFA on all accountsEven a strong password isn’t enough if credentials are phished
Password ManagerUse one for all accountsAllows unique, long passwords without memorisation burden
No Forced RotationOnly change if compromisedRegular rotation encourages weak, incremental password changes
Account LockoutThrottle after failed attemptsPrevents online brute-force attacks against login pages

Based on the UK National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) password guidance. Contact Cloudswitched for help implementing password policies and MFA across your organisation.

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Frequently asked questions

Length matters more than complexity - a 14+ character passphrase of unrelated words typically resists brute-force attacks far better than a short password with symbols. Avoid dictionary words, personal details, and reused passwords across accounts, since credential stuffing from data breaches remains one of the most common attack methods.

A short password using only lowercase letters can often be brute-forced in seconds to minutes with modern hardware, while an 8-character mixed-case password with numbers might take hours to days. A properly random 14+ character passphrase can push cracking time into centuries, which is why length is the single biggest factor.

Yes - password managers let staff use unique, complex passwords for every account without needing to remember them, which directly reduces the risk from credential reuse and phishing. Most UK SMEs adopt a business password manager (typically £2-£5 per user monthly) alongside multi-factor authentication.

Yes - even strong passwords can be exposed through phishing, breaches, or malware, and MFA blocks the vast majority of account takeover attempts even when a password is compromised. This checker tests password strength alone, but MFA should be treated as a mandatory second layer, not optional.

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