What Is a Password Generator?

A password generator is an online tool that automatically creates strong, random passwords at the click of a button. To create unique passwords, a password generator combines a variety of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols. Password generators dramatically ease the process of creating strong passwords by automatically producing random, lengthy ones – two qualities that make passwords more challenging for cybercriminals to crack.

Keep reading to learn why you should use a password generator and how you can use it to strengthen your online security.

Password vs passphrase generator: What’s the difference?

The main difference between a password generator and a passphrase generator is that a password generator creates a password, while a passphrase generator creates a passphrase. Password generators create strong passwords, which contain at least 16 characters, including uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols. For example, this would be a strong password produced by a password generator: B^F<>8=>56qXUQCkhN?$.

A passphrase is a combination of words separated by numbers or symbols that are used as a password. Therefore, a passphrase generator produces multiple unrelated words, making passphrases more difficult for cybercriminals to crack. An example of a strong passphrase created with a passphrase generator could look something like this: Leaf-Banana0-Joy_Friend4-Sunlight.

Why use a password generator?

You should use a password generator because it guarantees strong and unique passwords, eliminates the chances of using weak or reused passwords and makes updating your passwords convenient.

It ensures your passwords are always strong

Password generators naturally create strong passwords by randomly combining letters, numbers and symbols. This random combination of characters contributes to the strength and uniqueness of any password you create with a password generator. Strong passwords are essential in reducing your chances of a cybercriminal hacking into your online accounts, which, in turn, minimizes your risk of becoming a victim of fraud or identity theft.

You don’t have to rely on yourself to create passwords

Maybe you believe that you can come up with strong passwords on your own just fine. However, a recent study commissioned by Keeper^® found that 41% of people admit to reusing the same password across multiple accounts. Password generators eliminate dangerous human tendencies by creating passwords that are completely random and unrelated to personal information, such as a pet’s name or birthdate. If you only rely on yourself to create strong and memorable passwords, you will likely start to reuse the same password or slight iterations of the same password on multiple accounts. Using weak or reused passwords increases the likelihood of a cybercriminal cracking your passwords and stealing your private information.

It makes changing your passwords easy

If you need to change your password following a data breach or hacking, using a password generator makes updating your passwords simpler while ensuring the new ones are secure. All you have to do is hit a button to receive a new, strong and random password that will be very difficult for a cybercriminal to crack. Rather than racking your brain to come up with a password you haven’t used before, a password generator makes this process quick and convenient.

It helps you avoid dictionary attacks

A dictionary attack targets passwords that use common words or phrases found in dictionaries. Since common words or phrases are easy for a cybercriminal to crack in a password, using a password generator combats dictionary attacks because your password will contain a random combination of letters, numbers and symbols rather than easy-to-guess words or phrases. If each of your passwords to your many online accounts is a 16-character password with unique letters, numbers and symbols, a cybercriminal will have a very difficult time cracking them.

How to use a password generator

You may be wondering how simple it is to use a password generator after hearing all its benefits. Follow the steps below to learn how you can use a password generator to create strong and unique passwords.

1. Find a secure password generator to use

Luckily, there are many free password generators you can use online to create passwords. However, you should consider the benefits of using a password manager with a built-in password generator, like Keeper Password Manager. Having a built-in password generator makes it easy to create or update passwords that are strong and unique. Then, you can save your randomly generated passwords directly in your Keeper Vault to ensure your passwords are encrypted and protected from cybercriminals.

2. Adjust the password generator settings

After finding the best password generator for you, you can customize its settings to fit a specific website or app’s password requirements. For example, if an online account requires your password to contain both uppercase and lowercase letters, at least two numbers and one symbol, you can adjust your password generator’s settings so it creates a password based on those criteria. An app might require your password to contain at least 16 characters, which means your password must contain a minimum of 16 letters, numbers and symbols combined. Regardless of what requirements a website or app may have for your password, you can change your password generator’s settings to suit your password needs.

3. Generate your strong password

Once you’ve set your password generator’s settings, you can create your random password. After the password generator produces a strong and unique password, you can either try to remember it or save it in a password vault. Saving your passwords in a password vault like Keeper ensures your passwords are protected and saves you the hassle of remembering the password. Keeper has an autofill feature that works on all devices and browsers, so the next time you need to input your password, Keeper will do it for you.  

Generate strong, unique passwords with Keeper

Using a password generator is not only convenient but also safe for strengthening your passwords and protecting your private information. Keeper Password Manager’s built-in password generator is easy to use and eliminates the risk of using weak or reused passwords.

Start a free 30-day trial of Keeper Password Manager to experience the ease of a built-in password generator and a safe place to store your passwords.