Password Attack
Password attacks can also be termed as Password cracking, are the most common attacks usually carried out by hackers because the most commonly used mechanism to authenticate a user’s access to a computer system is a password sometimes along with the username or login ID. Passwords are illegally obtained by criminal hackers in several ways including guessing passwords by trying different passwords with the expectation that one will work; this may be termed as password brute-forcing or dictionary attack, network sniffing method is also one best ways for obtaining encrypted or non-encrypted data containing passwords within a network by capturing packets communicated on a network, getting access to a user’s database can also expose passwords, social engineering by impersonating original user by using Email, SMS and Phone call which are known as Phishing, Smishing and Vishing, shoulder surfing or dumpster diving.
2 Types of Password Attacks
- Online Attack: This type of password attack is when the attacker uses a computer and the internet or any telecommunication tools to attack the target person / individual system to acquire the password.
- Offline Attack: Unlike Online attacks (automated scripting, network sniffing, etc.), an Offline attack refers to physical access to a computer or storage media by copying the password file from the storage to another media. Common examples of offline password attacks also include shoulder surfing or dumpster diving. More about these methods and techniques used mostly in online attacks and offline attacks are explained below.
Techniques Used in Password Attack
Brute-Force and Dictionary attack: Bruce force refers to testing or guessing different passwords with the hope that one will work, A Dictionary of common and various password combinations in a single file can be used to hack passwords or test password security using the automated script tool.
Social Engineering attack: social engineering impersonates the original user by using Email, SMS, and Phone calls which are known as Phishing, Smishing, and Vishing or shoulder surfing and dumpster diving.
Social engineering is the technique that persuades to deceive the victim to obtain sensitive and confidential information. Social engineer uses communication skills and tools to make the victim trust the social engineer and his activity, rather than scanning for vulnerabilities to exploit. A social engineer normally makes a phone call, sends SMS or Email, Instant messaging, and some other communication system available on the internet for persuasion and trick to deceive the victim to get them to trust the social engineer to obtain intended and targeted information.
Sniffing Attack: Password Sniffing is one of the methods used in Password Attack; it is a passive-level attack. Password sniffing can also be termed Network Sniffing; it is an act of intercepting, monitoring, and capturing information (data packet) in the traffic of a network; most especially in Local Area Network (LAN). The purpose of this action is to steal information like usernames, passwords, network messages, files in transit, etc. Information is captured in the form of a Packet using a sniffer software program like Wireshark.
Database Injection Attack: SQL injection is a type of cyber attack that uses malicious SQL code (SQL injection code) to exploit vulnerabilities in any SQL Database to obtain or manipulate to access information that may include a valuable number of items, lists of customer details, customer’s credit card numbers, sensitive company’s data, or username and password of customers/service users.
Malware Attacks:Â Malicious software such as Keylogger and Spyware can be used to record and obtain passwords or any other information typed on a keyboard. Keystroke logger or keylogger is a monitoring or surveillance software that logs and captures the keystroke on a keyboard, keylogger or Spyware can be found as hardware or software which is known as hardware spyware or software spyware which they are all considered to be a type of Spyware Tools.
Password cracking is a common attack usually carried out by hackers because it allows direct access to vital information. Education on all major password attack techniques is necessary for internet service users and users in an organization’s network. Lack of security concerns by individuals has caused many organizations to several losses.
Protecting against various password attack methods involves implementing a combination of technical safeguards, security best practices, and user education.
Here are some strategies to prevent password attacks:
- Use Strong Passwords: Encourage users to create strong passwords that include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Implement password policies that enforce complexity requirements.
- Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Enable MFA to add an extra layer of security, requiring users to provide multiple forms of identification (e.g., password plus a one-time code).
- Enforce Regular Password Changes: Require users to change their passwords periodically to reduce the risk of compromised credentials.
- Monitor for Anomalies: Implement intrusion detection systems to monitor for unusual patterns of account activity, which may indicate a password attack.
- Account Lockout Policies: Implement account lockout policies to temporarily or permanently lock accounts after a certain number of failed login attempts.
- Rate Limiting: Implement rate-limiting mechanisms to restrict the number of login attempts within a specific time frame.
- Use CAPTCHAs: Implement CAPTCHAs to prevent automated bots from conducting brute force or dictionary attacks.
- Educate Users: Provide regular security awareness training to educate users about the risks of password attacks, phishing, and other social engineering tactics.
- Avoid Password Reuse: Encourage users not to reuse passwords across multiple accounts to prevent credential-stuffing attacks.
- Implement Strong Hashing: Use strong and secure hashing algorithms to protect stored passwords. Additionally, employ salting to enhance security.
- Secure Password Storage: Ensure that passwords are stored securely and are not easily accessible in plaintext form.
- Regularly Update Systems: Keep all systems and software up-to-date to patch vulnerabilities that could be exploited in password attacks.
- Secure Communication Channels: Use secure and encrypted communication channels, such as HTTPS, to protect login credentials during transmission.
- Implement Web Application Firewalls (WAF): Deploy WAFs to protect web applications from various types of attacks, including those targeting authentication mechanisms.
- Phishing Awareness: Train users to recognize phishing attempts and avoid clicking on links or providing login credentials in response to suspicious emails or messages.
- Regular Security Audits: Conduct regular security audits to identify and address vulnerabilities in systems and applications that could be exploited in password attacks.
- Implement Biometric Authentication: Explore the use of biometric authentication methods as an additional layer of security.
- Zero Trust Security Model: Adopt a zero-trust approach, where users and devices are not inherently trusted, and access is continuously verified.
- Penetration Testing: Conduct periodic penetration testing to identify and address vulnerabilities in the overall security posture, including password-related risks.
By combining these measures, organizations can significantly strengthen their defenses against password attacks. Regularly updating security practices, staying informed about emerging threats, and fostering a security-aware culture are essential components of a robust cybersecurity strategy.