Which password length is generally acceptable for an ordinary user account?

A password length of nine to twelve characters is considered generally acceptable for an ordinary user account because it strikes a balance between security and usability. Passwords within this range are long enough to provide a significant level of resistance against brute force attacks, where an attacker systematically checks all possible combinations to guess a password.

Passwords that are too short, such as three to five characters, lack complexity and are easier to crack. Even passwords that are six to eight characters, while better than very short passwords, are still vulnerable to more sophisticated attacks and may not adequately protect sensitive information.

On the other hand, passwords that are thirteen to fifteen characters, although very secure, might lead to user inconvenience, as they can be difficult to remember. This might result in users taking shortcuts, such as writing them down or using simpler passwords, which ultimately compromises security. Thus, the recommended range of nine to twelve characters is often seen as a practical guideline for creating secure yet manageable passwords for everyday users.