why is a password that uses numbers and letters stronger than one with only letters? the attackers don’t know that you didn’t use numbers, so they must include numbers in their brute force either way.

Question

why is a password that uses numbers and letters stronger than one with only letters? the attackers don’t know that you didn’t use numbers, so they must include numbers in their brute force either way.

In: 7568

Answer 1

The attackers know some people just use letters – so they decide to attack everyone just using letters. Now those who use numbers are safe from these guys, but the ones who just use letters are more likely to now be hacked.

By targeting those with simpler passwords, they won’t get everyone and that’s ok – but they will get enough. Don’t let it be you.