Alphanumeric Password
Alphanumeric Password Definition
An alphanumeric password contains both letters (alphabetic characters, a–z) and numbers (numeric characters, 0–9). It’s more secure than an exclusively alphabetic or numeric password since it allows you to create more possible combinations, making it more resistant to simple dictionary attacks. While they can be harder to create and memorize, many websites, apps, and systems require alphanumeric passwords to strengthen your account security.
By definition, alphanumeric passwords don’t include symbols, punctuation, or any other special characters. However, some websites may still call their passwords alphanumeric, even when they ask you to use all symbol types.
Examples of Alphanumeric Password
Some examples of alphanumeric passwords include:
- pA55word (not recommended)
- cYB3RgHo5t
- Go4ItNow
- 7BlueSkieS
- SecureAcce5599Pass
Generally, the order of letters and numbers in an alphanumeric password doesn’t matter. However, some platforms may have set rules for them—for example, they may require you to include a number at the end or use lowercase letters only.
How to Create a Strong Alphanumeric Password
You can do more than just use numbers and letters to make sure your alphanumeric password is strong:
1. Aim for at least 12–16 characters. The longer your password, the more combinations a cyberattacker would have to try to guess it in a dictionary or brute-force attack.
2. Mix uppercase and lowercase letters. For example, “Go2tHePark” is stronger than “gotothepark1.”
3. Avoid common or predictable phrases, like “1234” or “password,” as they’re easy to guess. You also shouldn’t use personal information, such as your name or birthday.
4. Don’t use patterns. Passwords are more vulnerable when they repeat the same combinations, like “aaa111” or “abcabc.”
5. Choose passphrases. They combine several unrelated words into a long, memorable password, such as “PurpleSun4flower79.”
If it’s an option, you can also add special characters and symbols. While they’re not a part of an alphanumeric password, they can boost your security and make your account more difficult to break into.
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FAQ
It’s because they create exponentially longer combinations. The more complex they are, the lower the chances that brute-force or dictionary attacks will crack them.
Yes, alphanumeric passwords are generally more secure than passwords that use only letters or numbers. Combining both increases the total number of possible combinations, making them more resistant to common password-cracking methods.
No, as long as you have a strong, unique alphanumeric password that hasn’t been exposed. It’s best to change your password only for a specific reason—for example, after being exposed in a security breach or if you reuse the same combination multiple times. Changing strong passwords too often can lead to weaker combinations.
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