14. A computerized method for determining strength of user passwords in a computer system, application or network to which a plurality of users have access via a user identification and password, the method comprising: retrieving cipher text user passwords stored on the computer system, application or network via an interface connected to the computer system, application or network; successively generating, by means of a central processing unit, different plain text passwords by employing at least one of a method using one or more dictionaries and a method using random combinations of characters, encoding the plain text passwords into corresponding cipher text passwords with an encryption algorithm, and comparing the encoded cipher text passwords to a given one of the retrieved cipher text passwords, until a match is found or a predetermined time has elapsed; determining, by means of the central processing unit, the strength of each of the user passwords based on the employed method used to generate the different plain text passwords and an amount of time needed to find the match, and storing, in data storage means, data relating to the strength of each of the user passwords without storing the passwords themselves, wherein the interface, the central processing unit, and the data storage means are enclosed in a housing which is separate from the computer system, application, or network.
14. A computerized method for determining strength of user passwords in a computer system, application or network to which a plurality of users have access via a user identification and password, the method comprising: retrieving cipher text user passwords stored on the computer system, application or network via an interface connected to the computer system, application or network; successively generating, by means of a central processing unit, different plain text passwords by employing at least one of a method using one or more dictionaries and a method using random combinations of characters, encoding the plain text passwords into corresponding cipher text passwords with an encryption algorithm, and comparing the encoded cipher text passwords to a given one of the retrieved cipher text passwords, until a match is found or a predetermined time has elapsed; determining, by means of the central processing unit, the strength of each of the user passwords based on the employed method used to generate the different plain text passwords and an amount of time needed to find the match, and storing, in data storage means, data relating to the strength of each of the user passwords without storing the passwords themselves, wherein the interface, the central processing unit, and the data storage means are enclosed in a housing which is separate from the computer system, application, or network. 18. The computerized method of claim 14 , further comprising generating an electronic message to a corresponding user if the strength of the password is insufficient.