A dictionary attack is a method of breaking into a password-protected computer, network or other IT resource by systematically entering every word in a dictionary, or word list, as a password.
A dictionary attack can also be used in an attempt to find the key necessary to decrypt an encrypted message or document.
Because a dictionary attack's guess attempts are limited to a preselected list, it is essentially impossible to use one to crack nonpredictable passwords.
A dictionary attack uses a preselected library of words and phrases to guess possible passwords.
Many dictionary attack word lists now incorporate leaked passwords to reflect actual passwords that people use.
Attackers use supporting programs, such as password dictionaries or other brute-force attack tools.
How dictionary attacks are conducted depends on whether the account, network or device the attacker is logging into is online or offline.
Executing an offline attack requires access to the password storage file from the system, the password hash.
Only then can a dictionary attack be launched in an offline setting.
A dictionary attack is considered a type of brute-force attack.
In everyday usage, the main difference between a brute-force attack and a dictionary attack is the number of password permutations that are attempted and the use of a word list.
A dictionary attack might start by trying the owner's birthday, house number, or simple patterns like 11111 or 12345.
A dictionary attack will use a list of likely passwords in its attempts to break into a system.
If the five-digit permutation is particularly unique, the dictionary attack likely would not guess it.
Like phishing attacks, dictionary attacks assume that a reasonable percentage of the users or accounts they target will be vulnerable and will have an easily identifiable five-digit passcode.
Passkeys are a modern authentication method that seeks to replace passwords to protect against brute-force and dictionary attacks.
If an attacker gains control of a user's device and the passkey is protected by a password, they might be able to attack the device with a dictionary attack to unlock the passkey.
Email spammers often use a form of dictionary attack.
How successful a dictionary attack is depends on how strong the passwords are for the individuals a hacker is targeting.
The massive SolarWinds data breach was executed using a dictionary attack.
This Cyber News was published on www.techtarget.com. Publication date: Tue, 06 Feb 2024 20:43:03 +0000