What characterizes a strong password according to security guidelines?

A strong password is characterized by being at least 12 characters long and containing a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. This complexity makes it significantly harder for attackers to guess or crack the password through brute-force methods or dictionary attacks. Longer passwords inherently provide more possible combinations, which increase their security against unauthorized access.

Using a combination of different character types expands the possible character set and complicates patterns that could be exploited, thus contributing to a more resilient password. Security guidelines emphasize these criteria as effective strategies to protect against unauthorized access and data breaches.

Short and easy-to-remember passwords typically lack the necessary length and complexity, making them weaker. Similarly, relying on common phrases or acronyms does not provide adequate security because these are more predictable and can be easily guessed or cracked, especially with the use of social engineering techniques. Hence, the emphasis on a minimum of 12 characters and varied character types is central to establishing a strong password that meets modern security requirements.