A system, method, and computer-readable medium are provided to protect passwords for computer applications by providing a user-triggered password scrambling mechanism. Scrambling is enabled with a user configurable character within the password to be a trigger. Once triggered, a user can enter several incorrect password strings without fear of being locked out of the system. Ultimately, a user can enter a correct password string or a modified version of the correct password string to gain access to the system. Through password scrambling, an observer will have a more difficult time determining the correct version of the password. This improves system security, thereby protecting valuable information, resources, and reputation of an enterprise provider.