A method and system has been provided in which the security of passwords in general and offline passwords in particular can be enhanced and which can enable users to be authenticated into secure network systems via network elements (NEs) in case of non-availability of centralized authentication system (CAS). The overall security of network or CAS or systems operating in isolated yet secured environment can be prevented from compromise even if the offline password is compromised. Related apparatus, systems, techniques, and articles are described.