Why Your Password Might Be Cracked Instantly . This image, created by Hive Systems, illustrates how long it would take a hacker to brute-force a password in 2025 using powerful hardware — specifically, 12 RTX 5090 graphics cards — and the bcrypt hashing algorithm (cost factor 10). It visually emphasizes the critical importance of password complexity and length in digital security.
The chart breaks down the time required to crack passwords based on their length (from 4 to 18 characters) and character composition, including numbers only, lowercase letters, a mix of upper and lowercase letters, and combinations that include symbols. Short passwords and simple character sets are especially vulnerable. For example, any 4-character password — regardless of complexity — can be cracked instantly. Even a 7-character password using only numbers can be cracked instantly, while adding symbols stretches the time to 2 years.
The most secure combinations involve long passwords (15–18 characters) using numbers, upper and lowercase letters, and symbols. A password with 18 such characters would take an estimated 4,639 quindecillion years to brute force, which is effectively unbreakable with today’s technology. Conversely, shorter or simpler passwords can be compromised in seconds or minutes.
Color-coded from red (very insecure) to green (very secure), the chart helps users visualize how each character and layer of complexity adds exponential difficulty for hackers. As cyber threats evolve, relying on short or easy passwords is no longer viable.
The takeaway: Always use long, complex passwords containing a mix of numbers, letters (both cases), and symbols. Consider using a password manager to generate and store strong passwords securely. This simple step can dramatically reduce the risk of being hacked in an increasingly hostile digital landscape.
Source hivesystems.com
