Whether a computer is on an extensive network or whether it's simply one of a few devices, there are a lot of reasons why a user might want to add a complex password to a network security software package. A strong password is one that is generally at least twelve to fifteen characters and isn't a word in any language. Most hackers and their programs can get a password that's less than eight characters cracked in relatively short order and that process is even easier if the password is an actual word and not a random sequence of numbers and letters.