Password Security Best Practices for 2025

Password security is one of the most obvious yet most overlooked aspects of digital protection. As cyberthreats become increasingly sophisticated, it’s crucial for organizations and individuals to review their password security best practices and assess whether they meet today’s continually evolving threats.

When it comes to passwords, length matters. Recent guidance from cybersecurity authorities emphasizes the need for longer passwords:

• The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) recommends at least 16 characters.
• The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) suggests 15 characters.
• The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard requires a minimum of 12 characters.

While password length recommendations vary based on who is making the recommendation, security professionals generally agree that longer passwords are harder to crack. Even a few extra characters exponentially increase complexity because the total number of possibilities is calculated as (character set) ^ (number of characters).

For example, passwords with 10 characters from a set of 94 possible characters (uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols) yield 94^10 (~53.9 quintillion) possible combinations. Adding just one extra character increases the combinations to 94^11 (~5 sextillion) and makes brute-force attacks exponentially more difficult.

Whether 12, 15, or 16 characters, the salient message is clear: Length is a simple but powerful defense against brute-force attacks. Adopting longer passwords – including passphrases or unique phrases that are easily remembered – is essential for strengthening password security.

Password overload: Why remember so many?

Why are we still remembering multiple passwords at all? Given available secure password managers, the days of keeping track of numerous passwords have passed. Password managers allow users to create and store complex, unique passwords for each account, secured by one strong master password (and hopefully some additional factors). This single point of access simplifies digital lives while enhancing security.

Users should consider switching to a reputable password manager and focus on strengthening just one password – a master password – that might allow them to spend less time on password resets and gain peace of mind.

MFA and push notifications: Essential protection

A strong password is a solid start, but in terms of authentication as a whole, multifactor authentication (MFA) takes security a step further. MFA options, particularly push notifications, add a secondary layer of security that is highly resistant to phishing.

By approving access through a separate device, push notifications offer an extra safeguard, ensuring that even if threat actors capture a password, they can’t access the account without the second factor. This small but effective measure greatly reduces the risk of unauthorized access, but it only works if rogue MFA requests are ignored or features such as number matching prevent accidental approvals.

Biometrics: A personal touch to security

Biometric authentication adds an extra layer of security by using unique physical attributes such as fingerprints, facial recognition, or voice recognition. Biometrics are increasingly common and convenient, and they provide an easy way to secure accounts without relying solely on passwords.

While biometrics can be highly effective, they should ideally be used as part of an MFA strategy rather than as a standalone solution.

Passkeys and FIDO2: Are passwords becoming obsolete?

In recent years, tech giants like Google, Apple, and Microsoft have begun recommending passwordless authentication, which uses passkeys and fast identity online 2 (FIDO2) standards for enhanced security. Passkeys, which rely on cryptographic keys rather than typed passwords, are tied to devices and provide a phishing-resistant, smooth login experience.

These advances don’t just make signing in easier; they also reduce phishing risks by removing typed credentials from the equation entirely.

Next steps: A password checklist for 2025

To keep up with the latest best practices, following is a checklist for improving password security best practices in 2025:

• Adopt a password manager. A password manager securely stores and autofills unique, complex passwords for each account. This tool reduces the need to remember multiple passwords, and it centralizes security with one strong master password. Creating a long, strong, and unique master password that is easy to remember and enabling MFA are two vital steps for safeguarding accounts. Some established password managers include LastPass, 1Password, Dashlane, and Bitwarden, which can be used by individuals and enterprises alike.
• Use MFA. Adding an extra authentication step, such as push notifications or hardware tokens, significantly enhances security. MFA safeguards accounts even if a password is compromised, and it helps protect against phishing and brute-force attacks. Authy and Duo Mobile (for push notifications), Okta (an enterprise-grade identity and access management provider), and YubiKey (for hardware tokens) are leading MFA solutions used in many industries.
• Enable biometrics. Biometric authentication on supported devices, such as fingerprints or facial recognition, adds a personalized, highly secure layer of protection. Biometrics are unique to each user, and they make it harder for unauthorized users to gain access. Apple Face ID® Apple Touch ID®, Microsoft Windows™ Hello, and Samsung Knox secure authentication provide built-in biometric security on various devices and are widely used in corporate settings.
• Explore passkeys and FIDO2 authentication. Passwordless solutions such as passkeys and FIDO2-compliant devices eliminate traditional passwords, replacing them with cryptographic keys or device-based authentication for enhanced security. These methods protect against phishing and credential stuffing. YubiKey (for FIDO2 security keys), Google Authenticator™ mobile app (now supporting passkeys), and Microsoft™ Authenticator are widely adopted in the industry for secure, passwordless authentication.
• Stay informed. Cybersecurity standards and best practices evolve quickly, so regular reviews of security tools and settings are crucial. Staying updated helps users adapt to new threats and to more quickly shift to more secure options. Resources such as the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, alerts from CISA, and cybersecurity news sites such as Krebs on Security can help organizations stay informed about the latest in security practices.

Adapting to evolving password practices

It’s clear that password security is no longer about memorizing a single string of characters. Today’s best practices encourage a multilayered approach that blends convenience with stronger security measures.

By adopting these strategies, users can safeguard their digital lives with far less hassle and achieve significantly more protection. Organizations that develop and enforce a comprehensive approach that incorporates modern tools, prioritizes security, and balances ease of user experience can effectively mitigate risk.

Microsoft and Windows are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies.
Face ID and Touch ID are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries and regions.