What is a Brute Force Attack

The term “brute force attack” can be used to describe any cyberattack that relies on trying lots of different choices, but it’s most often used to describe attacks on passwords. That’s because passwords are typically the weakest link in any system’s security and are usually the easiest target for a hacker.

What is a Brute Force Attack

Typically, brute force attacks are associated with password discovery. Brute forcing can also reveal hidden data in applications and web pages. For the sake of clarity, this look into brute forcing will focus more on password discovery as most security incidents involve this version of the attack. At least five percent of all cybersecurity attacks are a result of brute-forcing.

How do hackers carry a Brute Force attack?

To carry out a brute force attack, a hacker will use a program that tries every possible combination of characters until it finds the right one. The longer the password, the more combinations there are, and the longer it will take to find the right one. But with enough time and computing power, a brute force attack will eventually succeed.

Brute force attacks are relatively simple to carry out, but they are also very time-consuming and often unsuccessful. That’s why most hackers prefer to use other methods, such as social engineering or malware to gain access to systems and networks.

If you suspect your system has been the target of a brute force attack, changing your passwords and shoring up your security measures is essential. Otherwise, you could be the victim of a successful attack.

Why do hackers carry out Brute Force attacks?

Hackers often use brute force attacks because they are simple and effective. By trying every possible combination of characters, a hacker can eventually find the right one that will unlock a system or allow them to access sensitive information.

Brute force attacks can be brutal to stop because they can be carried out automatically with special software. If a hacker has enough time and computing power, they will eventually find the right combination that will allow them to break into a system.

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Types of Brute Force attacks

There are many different types of brute force attacks:

1. Dictionary attack

2. Hybrid attack

3. Brute Force attack

4. Credential stuffing

5. Reverse Brute Force attack

6. Password spraying

Dictionary attack:

Dictionary attacks are a type of brute force attack that involves trying to log in to an account by using a list of common words and phrases as passwords. This is usually done by automated software that can quickly try thousands of different passwords.

Hybrid attack:

A hybrid attack is a type of cyberattack that combines two or more different types of attacks. For example, a hybrid attack might combine phishing and malware attacks. Hybrid attacks are often more successful than single-type attacks because they can exploit multiple vulnerabilities at the same time.

Brute Force attack:

A brute force attack is a type of password cracking method in which the hacker tries every possible combination of characters to find the correct password.

Online Predation:

An individual or a group can use social media to lure impressionable young adults or minors into extorting money or molesting them sexually.

Credential stuffing:

A type of cyberattack in which hackers use stolen username and password combinations to gain access to someone else’s account. This attack is becoming more common as more and more people use the same password for multiple accounts.

Password spraying:

Password spraying is a type of brute force attack where the hacker tries to guess a victim’s password by trying many combinations until they find the right one. Password spraying is a bit different. In this attack, the hacker doesn’t test every possible combination. Instead, they focus on commonly used passwords.

Reverse Brute Force attack:

A reverse brute force attack is when a hacker uses a list of common passwords to try and gain access to your account. This is usually done by automated software that can quickly go through hundreds or even thousands of password combinations in a short amount of time.

Brute Force tools

There are a few different types of brute force attack tools. The most common ones are:

1. Password crackers are programs that try to guess passwords. They do this by trying out common passwords or by using dictionary attacks (trying out all the words in a dictionary).

2. Keyloggers are programs that record everything you type on your keyboard. They can be used to steal passwords and other sensitive information.

3. Remote administration tools (RATs) give someone else control over your computer. They can be used to install software, change settings, and even spy on you through your webcam.

4. Ophcrack is a free brute force attack tool that can be used to crack Windows passwords. It has a friendly graphical interface and uses rainbow tables to crack passwords quickly.

5. John the Ripper is a free password cracking tool that can be used to crack Linux passwords. It’s not as fast as Ophcrack, but it’s still a convenient tool in your arsenal.

6. Cain and Abel is a Windows password cracking tool that can crack passwords using several different methods. It’s a viral tool among penetration testers and has a friendly graphical interface.

7. Hydra is a brute force attack tool that can crack several different types of passwords, including SSH, FTP, and Telnet. It’s a high-speed tool and can be used to break large numbers of passwords very quickly.

These are just a few of the many types of brute force attack tools out there. Be careful when downloading programs from the internet, and make sure you trust the source before running any programs on your computer.

How to Prevent Brute Force Attacks

You can do a few things to protect yourself from brute force attacks:

  • Use a strong password at least eight characters long and includes a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.

  • Don’t use the same password on multiple sites. A hacker will try the same password on other sites if one area is compromised.

  • Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) whenever possible. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring you to enter a code from your mobile phone in addition to your password.

  • Change your passwords regularly, especially if you suspect your account may have been compromised.

    • Following these tips can help protect yourself from brute force attacks.

    How to Prevent Brute Force Attacks

    Strengths and Weaknesses of Brute Force Attacks

    The strengths and weaknesses of brute-forcing are often dependent on the target being attacked. In some cases, brute forcing is a surefire way to gain access to a network. This is usually when poor security practices are in place, both on the administrative and user ends. On the other hand, an entity that utilizes a multi-faceted cybersecurity strategy will be more prepared. Brute forcing will only alert intrusion detection systems and lock the attacker out from the outer layers of the network.

    Brute forcing strength is also dependent on the processing power and tools at the disposal of the attacker. A weak machine with poorly prepared software will be inefficient at cracking a password. Alternatively, a supercomputer with well-organized attack strategies can be incredibly effective when breaking into a user account.

    Finally, time is often the biggest hurdle in the brute-forcing strategy. How long an attacker has before they cannot go after their target will determine a great deal. Brute forcing, even when done by the most equipped individuals, can be very time-consuming. The longer the attack goes on, the more the hackers risk being discovered and having their operation blown apart.

    All of these factors combined will determine whether or not a hacker will benefit from brute-forcing their way into a network.

    Is brute forcing illegal?

    Absolutely.

    Any attempt to access a system, device, or network without prior authorization is illegal. The only way this can be legally circumnavigated is with express wrote permission from the owner of the target. This is usually done during a penetration test. A penetration test is when a company or other entity hires an offensive security professional (also known as a pentester or white-hat hacker). The goal of the pentester is to test the security of their client by any means explicitly allowed. They are given strict parameters of what to attack and what to ignore during the pentest. So, unless you are a pentester and your client allows for brute forcing, it is 100 percent illegal. Prison time for illegally accessing a network is determined by local laws, but it is never something to strive for.

    How long do brute force attacks take?

    There is no set timetable for how long a brute force attack takes. It is all dependent on a series of factors. How powerful is the computer doing the brute forcing? What software is being employed? What tactics are the attackers using? Is the target well-defended or are their passwords simplistic and unsalted?

    Taking all of this into account, the answer is incredibly varied. It could take a minute if you have access to military-grade hardware and have a weak target. It could take months using your personal desktop that has no special processing capabilities. It is simply not possible to pin down one uniform answer.

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