How To Create Strong Passwords in 2026 Strong passwords are still one of the most overlooked security controls—and outdated advice is part of the problem. Modern guidance from NIST emphasizes length and uniqueness over complicated symbol rules. Longer passwords dramatically increase cracking time, and passphrases are both secure and usable. Reusing passwords is especially dangerous. When breaches happen, attackers use credential stuffing to test stolen passwords across other services. The soluti