Ubuntu automatic password creator (apg)

To create secure passwords on command line linux/ubuntu provides the automatic password generator. On Debian based distributions such as Ubuntu and its derivates just type

apt-get install apg

The standard mode wants to get some user input (your old password) and then suggests pronounceable passwords.

user@ubuntu:~# apg

Please enter some random data (only first 16 are significant)
(eg. your old password):>
KonEatKeic3 (Kon-Eat-Keic-THREE)
UdkiWon5 (Ud-ki-Won-FIVE)
TySeegId8 (Ty-Seeg-Id-EIGHT)
froivRib8 (froiv-Rib-EIGHT)
rykVitOv5 (ryk-Vit-Ov-FIVE)
Ovmidvojboj2 (Ov-mid-voj-boj-TWO)

The second mode uses random character generation - here one can choose the character sets.

To create a strong password with a length of 12 characters type

user@ubuntu:~# apg -x 12 -M SNLC
weup8Tweg'
;ovSyokhyef2
(ObyodAuk3
+Ovjog0OgDeo
Apdeds=Druf1
Bocs:Coowp5

where the options are

S - generator must use special symbol set for every generated password.
N - generator must use numeral symbol set for every generated password.
C - generator must use capital symbol set for every generated password.
L - generator must use small letters symbol set for every generated password

Learn more on apg on its man page

man apg

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