How to Protect Against Password Cracking Attacks

Minimize risk with stronger passwords, password managers, and modern authentication strategies

Posted by Hüseyin Sekmenoğlu on November 21, 2023 Application Security

πŸ” Make Passwords More Resistant

Absolute security is impossible, but you can make passwords harder to crack.

Avoid:

  • Simple or predictable passwords

  • Common substitutions (like "P@ssw0rd")

  • Reusing the same password across sites

Instead:

  • Use long passphrases

  • Include a mix of characters

  • Avoid dictionary words or patterns

  • Don’t rely on password expiration policies alone


🧠 Use a Password Manager

Password managers help:

  • Generate strong, unique passwords

  • Store credentials securely

  • Reduce password reuse

  • Share access in emergencies (e.g. with family)

A master password is still required, but it's a single one to remember β€” not dozens.


πŸ›‘οΈ Add Extra Protections

Protect credentials even if they are stolen:

  • Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Requires something you have and something you know

  • System Monitoring: Detect login anomalies, repeated attempts, or suspicious locations

  • Limit Clear-Text Access: Admins should not access passwords directly

  • FIDO2: Consider passwordless options with hardware keys


🚨 Watch for Signs of Attacks

Stay alert for:

  • Repeated login failures

  • Logins from foreign IPs

  • Account behavior that seems off

Assume attackers will try. Build systems that watch and respond.