Are Online Password Generators Safe to Use?

Password generators create random passwords for you. The idea is sound, but you need to be careful where you generate them.

How a good generator works

It uses a cryptographically secure random number generator on your device and never sends the result over the internet.

Which to trust

• The generator built into your password manager.
• Your operating system or browser built-in suggestions.
• Open-source tools you can inspect.

What to avoid

• Random websites that generate passwords on the server.
• Generators that ask you to log in or share your email.
• Patterns that you can predict, such as adding a word to a base.

Settings

Use at least 16 characters for important accounts, and longer passphrases for anything you must remember.