Covered California Certified Enroller Practice Exam

What is a good minimum length for a password?

1. 8 characters

2. 10 characters

3. 12 characters

4. 14 characters

The correct answer is: 12 characters

A minimum length of 12 characters for a password is generally recommended as it significantly enhances security. Longer passwords are more difficult for attackers to crack using brute force methods because the number of possible combinations increases exponentially with each additional character. Selecting at least 12 characters allows for a more complex combination of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and special symbols, which adds layers of complexity that can deter unauthorized access. Passwords that are too short—such as 8 or 10 characters—can sometimes be more vulnerable to attack because they have fewer possible combinations. A 14-character password offers even more security, but 12 characters strikes an effective balance between enough complexity and user manageability, making it a widely accepted standard in cybersecurity practices. Therefore, emphasizing a minimum length of 12 characters aligns with best practices in creating secure passwords.