A digital infographic from Hive Systems showing estimated times to brute-force different password lengths, with varying levels of security. The table displays passwords from 4 to 18 characters, with times ranging from instantly to billions of years. The background is dark, and the text uses white, orange, red, purple, and green colors.

Get our 2026 Update to the Hive Systems Password Table.

See why millions trust the original viral Password Table - and learn how fast your password could be cracked.

Read the full research

Every year, we publish the most widely referenced visual in cybersecurity awareness: the Hive Systems Password Table as seen in Forbes, CNBC, the front page of Reddit, and cited by Krebs on Security. Whether you’re training employees, updating your password policy, or just want to see if your own password would survive the hour, this table shows the reality.

What’s inside

  • A visual table showing time-to-crack estimates for passwords of various lengths and character sets

  • Updated for 2026 using modern GPU-based cracking benchmarks

  • High-resolution formats for printing, training, or sharing

  • Multiple languages including French, Italian, German, Dutch, Spanish, and Swedish.

Who it’s for

  • IT and cybersecurity teams running awareness campaigns

  • HR and training leaders updating policies or onboarding materials

  • Individuals who want to check the strength of their own password

  • Media, educators, and influencers looking for a compelling visual backed by data

Why it matters

Password reuse, short character lengths, and weak complexity remain some of the easiest ways attackers gain access to systems. The 2026 Hive Systems Password Table is a proven tool to communicate risk clearly and spark action.

Use it to change habits, strengthen defenses, and support better security hygiene across your team or organization.

Get the 2026 Hive Systems Password Table

Enter your information to download the latest version of the Password Table. It’s one of our most requested resources - for good reason.

Can I share/use this table?

Yes - and we encourage it!

We create and share our research to spread cybersecurity awareness far and wide. You’re free to share or repost the Password Table in its original form, even for publishing purposes.

Please remember to credit Hive Systems and link back to www.hivesystems.com/password whenever possible.

(Note: Use of our materials does not imply endorsement by Hive Systems.)

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