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What Is Brute Force? How It Works, and How to Protect?

What Is Brute Force? How It Works, and How to Protect? - Securium Solutions

March 24, 2023 / By Securium Solutions

In today’s world of technology, cybercrime has become one of the biggest threats to individuals and organizations alike. Among the many techniques used by hackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information, one of the most commonly used is this? It is a hacking technique that relies on trial and error to guess passwords, usernames, or other login credentials. In this blog, we will explore what Brute Force is, how it works, and how you can protect yourself from it.

What is Brute Force?

It is a method used by hackers to gain access to a system or application by guessing usernames, passwords, or other credentials through trial and error. The idea behind this technique is simple – by using a program that systematically tries every possible combination of letters, numbers, and symbols until it finds the right one.

This attack is not limited to a specific type of system or application. It can be used to hack into anything that requires a password, such as email accounts, social media profiles, online banking, and even network infrastructure.

How Does Brute Force Work?

The process of a Brute Force attack is straightforward. The hacker uses a program that tries every possible combination of letters, numbers, and symbols until it finds the right one. The program can be customized to include any character set, such as uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.

The program runs in the background, and the hacker can monitor its progress through a log file. Once the program finds the correct username and password combination, the hacker gains access to the system or application. This is why it is essential to use strong passwords that are not easily guessable.

Types of Brute Force Attacks

There are two types of attacks: online and offline.

  • Online Brute Force Attack

An online Brute Force attack is when the program tries every possible combination of letters, numbers, and symbols against the login page of a website or application. The program can run on the hacker’s computer or a remote server.

This attack is relatively slow, as it is limited by the server’s response time. The hacker can try only a limited number of combinations per second, depending on the website or application’s security measures.

  • Offline Brute Force Attack

An offline Brute Force attack is when the program tries every possible combination of letters, numbers, and symbols against an encrypted password file. The hacker can download the password file from the target system and run the program on their computer.

This attack is faster than the online attack, as it is not limited by the server’s response time. The hacker can try millions of combinations per second, depending on the speed of their computer.

How to Protect Yourself from Brute Force Attacks

Here are some tips on how you can protect yourself from it’s attacks:

  • Use Strong Passwords

Using strong passwords is the best defense against Brute Force attacks. A strong password should be at least 12 characters long and include a combination of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. You should also avoid using dictionary words or personal information that can be easily guessed.

  • Use Two-Factor Authentication

Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your login process. It requires you to enter a code that is sent to your phone or email, in addition to your password. This makes it much harder for a hacker to gain access to your account, even if they have your password.

  • Limit Login Attempts

Most websites and applications have a limit on the number of login attempts allowed. After a certain number of failed attempts, the system will lock the account or require additional verification. This can help protect your account from Brute Force Attacks.

Author

Vinit 

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