Password cracking techniques can be broadly categorized into two types: offline and online attacks. Online attacks occur in real time and target a live host or system by employing brute-force or wordlist attacks against login forms, sessions, or other authentication methods. These attacks are executed directly on the system being targeted.
On the other hand, offline attacks involve extracting password hashes stored by the victim, attempting to crack them without alerting the targeted host. Offline attacks are more prevalent due to their effectiveness. Since they exploit security vulnerabilities in the victim’s infrastructure, they allow hackers to obtain the necessary information to crack the passwords at their own convenience.
While online attacks focus on immediate exploitation, offline attacks provide hackers with the opportunity to perform extensive analysis and employ advanced techniques to crack passwords without raising suspicion. It’s important to understand the different approaches in order to implement the appropriate security measures. The most used attack techniques are:
Brute-force attacks
One of the most popular cracking techniques for passwords of up to eight characters is the brute-force attack. This technique follows a systematic approach, as the hacker diligently tests every possible combination of letters, numbers, and punctuation marks. Each combination is then converted into a hash and compared with the target password’s hash.
The success of brute-force attacks depends on the length of the password. As the password grows longer, the brute-force method becomes increasingly time-consuming, ranging from minutes to potentially several years.
Dictionary attacks
In the context of cybersecurity, dictionary attacks stand as a close cousin to the brute-force attack, yet with a distinctive approach.
Instead of methodically trying every possible character combination, the hacker takes advantage of a pre-compiled list of likely matches, such as common English words. These lists, employed by dictionary attack tools, encompass familiar passwords, excerpts from literary works, and other predictable combinations.
Phishing
Phishing poses a serious threat to password security nowadays. With cunning precision, cybercriminals masquerade as reputable organizations or trusted individuals, using deceptive emails, messages, and websites to trick their targets.
This practice preys on human vulnerability and trust, emphasizing the need for users to stay on guard and take proactive protective measures. Verifying the authenticity of communication channels and staying informed about the latest techniques is vital for safeguarding passwords from falling into the wrong hands.
Rainbow table attacks
Rainbow table attacks capitalize on pre-computed lookup tables brimming with an extensive array of password hashes and their corresponding plaintext counterparts. By comparing the targeted password hashes with the entries meticulously stored within the rainbow table, attackers gain a fast path to retrieving the original password.
While the initial creation of the tables can be a time-consuming task, once they’re generated, the attack itself becomes much faster.
Credential stuffing
Credential stuffing hinges on the fact that many individuals rely on the same login credentials across different websites and platforms. Taking advantage of this habit, hackers employ automated tools to methodically plug stolen usernames and passwords into various online services. Their aim is to exploit those who reuse passwords.
Once the code is cracked, the consequences can be dire for the compromised accounts, potentially leading to data breaches, identity theft, or financial fraud.
Social engineering
Social engineering involves the art of psychological manipulation and deceit. Through phone calls, emails, or face-to-face encounters, attackers aim to trick their victims into revealing sensitive information, downloading malware, or granting unauthorized access to the cybercriminal.
By gathering intelligence about their targets, hackers use various communication channels to perpetrate their scams and achieve their goals. The success of social engineering relies on the ability to exploit people’s trust, making it crucial for everyone to stay vigilant and cautious while interacting online.
In a world of fast-evolving cyberthreats, safeguarding your digital presence starts with using strong and unique passwords for each account. However, the real challenge boils down to where and how you manage and store these passwords securely.
This is where reputable password management tools like Keeper, which provide a convenient and secure solution, come into play. These platforms generate and store complex passwords, alleviating the burden of memorization or risky notetaking. However, storing passwords is not everything password managers can do. They’re also excellent at eliminating weak passwords, monitoring the dark web, simplifying password management, and making it straightforward to log into accounts.
Regularly updating and changing passwords is also vital for staying one step ahead of potential breaches. To guarantee password security, it’s recommended to switch passwords every three to six months.
István F.
Adam B.
