What is considered the minimum length for a secure password?

A secure password is typically considered to be a minimum of 8 characters long because this length provides a reasonable balance between security and usability. Passwords that are 8 characters long can include a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters, which significantly increases the complexity and makes it more difficult for attackers to crack them through methods like brute force attacks.

While longer passwords, such as those that consist of 10 or 12 characters, are generally more secure and can withstand more sophisticated attack techniques, the 8-character minimum has been widely adopted as a baseline standard in many security guidelines. This is particularly relevant in contexts where users need to remember their passwords and where excessively long passwords might compromise user compliance and lead to the use of simpler and less secure alternatives.

Therefore, aiming for at least 8 characters strikes a good balance, while still emphasizing the importance of using additional complexity in the character selection to enhance security.