Thursday, May 1, 2025
Here’s how long it takes a hacker to figure out your passwords — and the safest to use
Having to come up with a password that matches the symbol requirements for every site can be a hassle, but there’s good reason for it.
Of course, the more your password has, the longer it takes for a hacker to figure it out.
But it’s even more specific than that in terms of how long it would take to guess, according to cybersecurity firm Hive Systems Password Table.
For example, a password with five characters using numbers, upper and lowercase letters would take a hacker just two hours to discover it. However, a password with 18 characters using numbers, symbols, upper and lowercase letters would take 463 quintillion years.
The password table was first designed in 2020 to show how fast a hacker can “brute-force” your password based on data from Howsecureismypassword.net.
They started by looking at the strength of a hashed password against a hacking attempt based on length, complexity, hashing algorithm used by the victim and hardware used by the attacker.
A “hashed” password is a scrambled version of text that can be reproduced if you know what hash software was used.
The experts at Hive Systems analyzed password data breaches from 2007 to now reported by HaveIBeenPwned.
The table focuses on the concept that the hacker is working in a “black box” situation, starting from scratch to hack the password.
This shows the “worst case” or “maximum time required” to do the hacking.
Most hackers, according to the blog post, prioritize the words and strings of characters that they’ll focus on first through previously stolen hashes, dictionary attacks and rainbow tables.
If your password was part of a previous data breach or uses words in the dictionary, then a hacker can figure out your password — no matter how many characters, symbols or numbers used — instantly.
They noted that these metrics go off the assumption that your password has not been part of a breach in the past.
Hackers will often try hashes of all common and breached passwords before even thinking about moving on to new ones.
Hilarious Video of Schumer being Decimated by Reporter!
Schumer: "Trump has the lowest 100 day approval rating since they started polling."
*2 Minutes later…*
Manu Raju: "There's a poll out today that has your approval rating lower than any other Congressional leader at 17 percent."
Schumer: "Polls come and go."
What is crypto mining in simple terms?
Using powerful computers, crypto miners are solving complex math problems that are required to validate transactions on the blockchain, said Chris Kline, COO and co-founder of BitcoinIRA. Blockchain networks essentially serve as a “public ledger” for all transactions, promoting transparency.
Bitcoin is the most well-known example of a cryptocurrency that can be obtained in this way. Other popular tokens, like Ethereum, utilize a different system called “proof of stake” and don’t rely on mining.
“This competitive process rewards successful participants with newly generated tokens while maintaining the integrity of the decentralized system,” Kline told The Post. “Essentially, mining combines network security with financial incentives in a technological ecosystem designed to operate without central authority.”
Can crypto mining be profitable?
Mining can be highly profitable, but only when participants have carefully analyzed the costs. New entrants can expect to encounter “high fixed costs, technological complexity, and intense competition,” all of which are significant barriers to overcome, according to Peter Earle, a senior economist at the American Institute for Economic Research.
“The upfront capital needed for mining equipment, access to cheap electricity, and reliable internet infrastructure can be prohibitive,” Earle said.
Furthermore, the mining ecosystem is increasingly dominated by “industrial-scale” operations established in regions with lower electricity costs.
“Overall, mining has become less a game of experimentation and more a capital-intensive business, with economies of scale playing a central role — just as in traditional commodity extraction industries,” Earle added.
Are You Crypto Curious?
How to start crypto trading today
Download a trusted exchange app — Start by choosing a licensed crypto exchange. We recommend starting with the Best Wallet app, available for both iOS and Android.
Create and verify your account — Sign up using your email, Google, or Apple ID. To complete registration, you’ll need to verify your identity with a government-issued ID and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for added security.
Fund your account — Deposit money into your account by linking a bank account or credit card or even using gift cards. Choose an option that best fits your lifestyle.
Buy your first cryptocurrency — Use the app’s marketplace or swap tool to purchase crypto by entering the ticker symbol — like BTC for Bitcoin or ETH for Ethereum — and follow the prompts to complete the transaction.
Choose how to store your crypto — Decide whether you’ll keep your crypto in the exchange, move it to a digital wallet (hot wallet), or store it offline (cold wallet) for extra protection.
What are the risks of crypto mining?
The biggest risk faced by amateur miners is the possibility of becoming financially overextended while setting up an operation, with no guarantee of immediate success.
“The challenge that comes with mining as a business is that you have the upfront cost of mining equipment plus the constant costs of electricity (for running the equipment 24/7), but you are only rewarded cryptocurrencies if you successfully outcompete others in puzzle solving,” said Benjamin Cole, a cryptocurrency expert and professor at Fordham University’s Gabelli School of Business.
“So it is possible to run your miner all year — running up massive electricity bills — but never get paid anything because you never successfully solve the puzzle faster than everyone else,” Cole added.
One way to mitigate this risk is to join a mining pool, which consists of a team of miners who share both the costs and potential rewards.
Can crypto mining damage your laptop?
Since crypto mining requires immensely powerful computers and high electricity usage, experts generally do not recommend using personal laptops or phones. Aside from potential overheating that can damage devices, amateur miners will be facing off against professional operations with top-of-the-line hardware.
“One way for individuals get involved today is by renting space in a data center — called hosting — which runs the miner for you with low-cost power and hands-on management,” said Tyler Stevens, cofounder of Exergy, a firm that designs heating systems powered by bitcoin mining.
“If done right, this can yield a steady stream of bitcoin rewards, often cheaper than buying directly on an exchange — depending on electricity costs and market conditions,” Stevens said.
What is the environmental impact of crypto mining?
Crypto mining is extremely energy-intensive — to the point that major operations can strain local power grids, cause carbon pollution and raise environmental concerns among critics.
Mining has surged in popularity in recent years and could represent more than 2% of the annual US electricity consumption, according to a 2024 report by the US Energy Information Administration. One 2021 study found that Bitcoin used more electricity than the entire country of Argentina.
How is crypto mining done?
The most advanced operations make use of specialized hardware called ASICs (application-specific integrated circuits). Other methods rely on high-end graphics processing units, commonly referred to as GPUs.
The hardware is essentially racing to solve the complex math problems required to verify transactions and unlock another Bitcoin. The faster the system, the more effective it is.
What is a crypto mining facility?
Major players have increasingly relied on custom-made computer buildouts that mine cryptocurrency around the clock. Experts compare them to data centers, with top-of-the-line hardware that’s specially made for mining and cooling systems in place to ensure they don’t overheat.
What are the differences between crypto mining and crypto trading?
Crypto mining and crypto trading are separate activities. Miners are attempting to complete new transactions on the blockchain so that they can be rewarded with newly issued crypto tokens. Traders are buying and selling existing tokens for profit.
What is the future of crypto mining?
Experts say that amateur crypto mining is expected to become increasingly difficult over time as professional and industrial-scale operations allocate more resources.
“Bitcoin’s difficulty has increased significantly, making solo mining nearly impossible without a massive investment,” said crypto expert and lawyer John Deaton. “Cryptocurrency mining has the potential to be rewarding, but it is not a get-rich-quick scheme. Long gone are the days when an individual could mine Bitcoin on a laptop.”
The total supply of Bitcoin will max out at 21 million, and no more will ever be created. At present, the final block is expected to be mined in 2140.
Trump Making Huge Mistake With Having Witkoff Negotiate a Deal with Iran!
Negotiating a nuclear agreement with Iran should in theory be the easiest of Witkoff’s jobs. Longtime Middle East observers say the Tehran theocracy is at its weakest-ever point following more than two years of proxy war with Israel and widespread internal opposition.
The State Department has insisted the US position is that Tehran completely dismantle its nuclear and uranium enrichment programs. But so far, Iran has stubbornly resisted — refusing US demands to end uranium enrichment and close its nuclear facilities.
Earlier this month, fresh off indirect talks held in Oman, Witkoff floated allowing Iran to keep its facilities if it promises to keep uranium enrichment levels lower than what’s needed for weapons in a plan that mirrors former President Obama’s nuclear deal that Trump canceled during his first term in office.
“You do not need to run, as they claim, a ‘civil nuclear program’ where you’re enriching past 3.67%,” Witkoff told Fox News host Sean Hannity April 14, “so this is going to be much about verification on the enrichment program.”
Witkoff walked back his comments a day later, saying that “any final arrangement must set a framework for peace, stability, and prosperity in the Middle East — meaning that Iran must stop and eliminate its nuclear enrichment and weaponization program.”
“I think one of the worst cases if he does reach a deal is that something emerges like a rollback of the program that isn’t permanent,” FDD research fellow Andrea Stricker said on a recent press call. “On a technical level, Iran may say that it’s permanent, but in effect, it would retain all its enrichment infrastructure to wait out the Trump administration and bust out of the restrictions.”
“They really need to be put in a position of seeing the nuclear program as is a threat to their survival, rather than something that protects their survival,” Stricker said.
Former Trump National Security Advisor John Bolton was more blunt, posting on X Sunday that “Witkoff’s discussions with Iran are a waste of oxygen.”
“The Iranians are trying to buy time and relief from economic sanctions so they can rebuild their military. We cannot just ‘tap along’ with the Iranians,” he said, referencing the president’s recent concern that Moscow is “tapping” him along with prolonged talks.
“Trump is making the same mistakes Obama did in 2015,” Bolton added.
Tehran has every reason to drag out the nuclear talks if Witkoff and Trump allow, according to FDD senior fellow Behnam Ben Taleblu, as they believe that “so long as Washington is talking, Jerusalem is not shooting — and through that prism everything else flows.”
“The foremost element of Tehran’s diplomatic strategy today is not to earn sanctions relief …” he added. “The foremost strategy is to use direct engagement with the United States as a literal human shield against an Israeli preemptive attack against Iran’s nuclear and/or military installations.”
Meanwhile, people familiar with the situation say Israel is waiting in the wings to conduct a strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities, quietly suggesting it could do so without US military support.
“It is a badge of honor to be the target of a John Bolton tantrum,” White House deputy press secretary Anna Kelly told The Post in a statement following publication. “He and his fellow warmongers quoted in this so called ‘news piece’ thrive off forever war – lining their pockets while young people die.
“Steve Witkoff has done incredible work securing the release of Americans detained abroad, like Marc Fogel, while leaving behind a massive business enterprise to serve his country. Like President Trump, he is focused on stopping the killing and advancing peace through strength.”
Agam Berger plays violin alongside Dudu Fisher
During the broadcast of the torchlighting ceremony on Wednesday evening, a particularly moving moment was recorded when Agam Berger, who was released from captivity, played an ancient violin and accompanied singer Dudu Fisher.
The torchlighting ceremony marked the opening of the 77th Independence Day celebrations for the State of Israel.
The traditional torchlighting ceremony at Mount Herzl was canceled due to harsh weather conditions. Instead, a pre-recorded dress rehearsal was broadcast, featuring performances by artists and torchlighters.
This year, the event was held under the theme "Bridges of Hope" and included musical performances, dance segments, light and sound displays, and innovative technology.
Shai Graucher Charedi activist fights tears during torch lighting ceremony
Shai Graucher, a Charedi activist known for organizing waves of charitable donations for IDF soldiers, was honored with a torch lighting for Independence Day.
"I light this torch for our nation's enormous heart,"he declared. "I have made it my life's work to gladden, as much as possible, the widows and orphans whose world has been destroyed."
"This is for the dozens of infants who have been born since the war began, and who will never meet their fathers, who were killed in action," he said, in a voice choked by tears.
"This is for those who survived captivity, for whom we must all do everything possible to help recuperate, and for the other hostages, all of whom we must recover."
He concluded, "This is for the donors, who never stop giving, and for the nation. I pray that we can unite in times other than a crisis."
Due to the fire in the Jerusalem mountains, the torch lighting ceremony was not broadcast live. The recording of the general rehearsal was broadcast instead.
Freed Kibbutznik Thanks Hakadosh Baruch Hu In Yom Ha’atzmaut Ceremony
The live Yom Ha’atzmaut ceremony at Har Herzl and small ceremonies across the country, scheduled for Wednesday evening, were canceled due to the fires still raging across Israel.
Instead, a recorded dress rehearsal was broadcast on Israeli TV channels. One of the torch-lighters was freed hostage Emily Damari, who was abducted from Kibbutz Kfar Aza.
Speaking briefly from stage before lighting the touch, Emily said that she is lighting the torch in honor of the 59 hostages still in captivity; the 64 residents of Kfar Aza who were murdered during the massacre; including two of her close friends, the Israeli security forces who risk their lives; those who fell in battle; the orphan and widows, and bereaved families who lost their loved ones.
She then raised her voice, and pointing upwards, she said: “And to Hakadosh Baruch Hu who gave me the kochos to survive captivity and to return on my feet to the country and nation I love so much!”
It should be noted that this is not the first time that Emily publicly thanked Hashem. Shortly after being released, she posted a message on social media, writing:
“Love, love, love,” Damari wrote.
“I thank Hashem, my family…to the best friends I have in this world. I’ve returned to my beloved life.”
Netanyahu Honors Fallen Hero by Donning His Tefillin on Memorial Day
On Wednesday, in a deeply personal tribute marking Israel’s Memorial Day, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu put on the tefillin of Maj. (res.) Yossi Hershkovitz, an IDF officer and beloved educator who was killed during the war in Gaza.
“On this Memorial Day, I am honored to put on the tefillin of the Hero of Israel, Maj. (res.) Yossi Hershkovitz,” Netanyahu wrote. “Yossi, a wonderful educator, was imbued with true love of Israel. The moment he was called up, he said goodbye to his devoted wife Hadas and to his children—Ari, Hillel, Tal, Shira, and Neta—in order to protect the home of all of us.”
Netanyahu recalled how even from the battlefield in Gaza, Hershkovitz sent uplifting messages to his family, his students, and the nation. “Yossi combined a noble spirit with an uncompromising determination to defend our people and our country. In one hand he held a weapon, and in the other he held his violin.”
“We will turn the grief over Yossi and all our fallen heroes into a melody,” the prime minister added, “the melody of the power of the generation of victory.”
‘Best 20 Minutes Of My Life’, Wrote Dying Soldier On Oct. 7
Lieutenant Yoav Maliaev, who served as the deputy communications officer of Battalion 77, fell in battle at the Yiftach outpost near Israel’s southern border on October 7.
His father, Alex, shared in a Reshet Bet interview about his son’s determination to serve in a meaningful role — specifically in a place most would avoid. The grieving father also spoke about the note his son wrote for his loved ones just moments before he was killed — a note that was only discovered after his death. Even in the most difficult moments of the morning of October 7, Yoav insisted on encouraging and supporting everyone around him.
Alex shared the story of his late son’s military journey:
“Yoav enlisted in the IDF’s dedicated officers’ track in the Telecommunications and Cyber Defense Corps, despite having some health issues. He graduated the course with distinction, and although he could have chosen to serve anywhere — he asked to be placed in Battalion 77 of the Armored Corps. When asked why he chose a place no one else wanted, he said, ‘Because even in the places no one wants to be — good people are needed too.'”
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