Password cracking

Password cracking is a method of obtaining the passwords of a computer system, online service, or other protected service by testing the possible combinations of characters that can gain access. It is a type of hacking used to gain unauthorized access to an individual’s account or a system’s security by trying to guess a user’s password using a dictionary of common and uncommon words, symbols, letters, and numbers.

Password cracking is one of the most common methods of hacking and is typically used where there is a lack of preventive security measures. It is typically used to break the authentication process of various services by trying to brute-force guess passwords. Password cracking can also be employed by authorities, malicious hackers, and cybercriminals when trying to gain access to private information and unauthorized access to restricted areas of a computer system.

Password cracking methods vary in their complexity, and can range from easily-figured combinations of words and numbers, to sophisticated algorithms that attempt to discover passwords using various mathematical or statistical methods. Common tools used by hackers to guess passwords include password cracking software, brute force programming, and Dictionary and Rainbow table attacks.

Password cracking is a major threat to online security, as otherwise strong passwords can be guessed through exhaustive computational analysis. There are countermeasures which can help protect against password cracking. These include using strong passwords or passphrases, using two-factor authentication, and regularly changing passwords.