Diceware-style passphrase generation
diceware passphrase · random word passphrase
How random word selection works, why Diceware-style phrases are different from quotes, and how to avoid predictable choices.
By DN01 Security Team
Diceware-style generation means words are selected randomly from a list instead of being invented by a human. Use the DN01 passphrase generator to create random word phrases, then choose word count and separators based on where the phrase will be used.
Start with the threat model: a phrase for a public example, a lab account, a Wi-Fi key, and an administrator login do not need the same settings.
For real accounts, save the result directly in a password manager. DN01 does not replace vault storage, team sharing, audit logs, or recovery workflows. Published generated phrases are public examples for testing, documentation, and SEO pages. Never publish or reuse a real secret.
Practical settings
Use more words for higher-risk accounts.
Pick what the target form and keyboard accept.
What to avoid
Do not use quotes, song lyrics, inside jokes, or personal word lists. Human-selected phrases are usually more predictable than they feel.
Do not paste real generated secrets into tickets, chat, public pages, screenshots, or analytics demos.
Storage and sharing
For real accounts, save the result directly in a password manager. DN01 does not replace vault storage, team sharing, audit logs, or recovery workflows.
Published generated phrases are public examples for testing, documentation, and SEO pages. Never publish or reuse a real secret.
| Setting | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Words | Use more words for higher-risk accounts. |
| Separator | Pick what the target form and keyboard accept. |
| Numbers | Add only when policy requires or the UI supports it. |
| Symbols | Useful for policy compliance, not a replacement for word count. |
| Publish | Examples only; never real secrets. |
Frequently asked questions
- Can I use a published phrase?
Published generated phrases are public examples for testing, documentation, and SEO pages. Never publish or reuse a real secret.
- How many words are enough?
Use more words for higher-risk accounts.
- Does the separator matter for strength?
Pick what the target form and keyboard accept.