What major advantage does a mixed-character password provide?

A mixed-character password, which includes a combination of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters, significantly enhances security because it is inherently more complex than a password made up of only one type of character. This complexity makes it less predictable and more resistant to various forms of attacks, such as brute-force attacks, where an attacker tries numerous combinations to guess the password.

The diverse character types expand the total number of possible combinations, which means that it takes considerably longer for an attacker to successfully crack the password using automated methods. In contrast, simpler passwords may be more easily guessed due to common patterns or dictionary words, making them less secure overall. Thus, the main advantage of a mixed-character password lies in its strength against unauthorized access.