How can I generate strong passwords from the command line?
The excellent program apg is fantastic for generating all sorts of passwords.
1. Install apg:
$ sudo apt-get install apg
2. Then you can simply run
$ apg
…which will run default options and give something like this:
stmiller@li166-66:~$ apg Please enter some random data (only first 8 are significant) (eg. your old password):> Evnupthyac6 (Ev-nup-thyac-SIX) AsofMiWor7 (As-of-Mi-Wor-SEVEN) Plotyujpak4 (Plot-yuj-pak-FOUR) OwIvnupel8 (Ow-Iv-nup-el-EIGHT) ladjothPeg4 (lad-joth-Peg-FOUR) cluHosoys5 (clu-Hos-oys-FIVE)
Customize options as desired like:
$ apg -a 1 -m 16 -M SNCL -n 1
-a 1 = random (un-pronounceable password)
-m 16 = 16 characters in length
-M SNCL = use Special symbol, Number, Capital, and Lowercase
-n 1 = generate 1 password
The above command gives me this, for a random (pun) example:
Yy%$+&|6ra-y+S5n
Obviously you can customize the command line options to fit your desired password requirements!
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