How Are Passwords Cracked

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How Are Passwords Cracked?
Interception
Interception involves capturing data as it travels over a network.
Cybercriminals use techniques like Man-in-the-Middle (MitM)
attacks, where they insert themselves into a communication
session between a user and an application to eavesdrop or alter
the data being exchanged. For example, on an unsecured Wi-Fi
network, an attacker could intercept data packets that contain
unencrypted passwords. Similarly, using tools like packet sniffers,
attackers can capture passwords as they traverse a network and
then decode them if they're not properly encrypted.
Another form of interception is SSL stripping, where the attacker

forces a connection to revert from a secure HTTPS connection to
an unsecured HTTP version, making the data accessible. For
instance, if a user logs into a site that has been compromised by
an SSL stripping attack, their password and other sensitive
information could be transmitted in clear text, easily captured by
the attacker.
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Searching & Brute Force

Searching and brute force attacks are about trying as many
combinations as possible until the correct password is found.
Brute force attacks use algorithms that systematically check all
possible passwords by going through a list of potential options
one by one. For instance, an attacker might use a brute force
attack against a website's login page, attempting every
combination of letters, numbers, and symbols until they gain
access.
With the advancement in computing power, brute force attacks

can now be executed faster and more efficiently than ever.
Attackers can use powerful computers or botnets to try millions
of password combinations in a short period, cracking weaker
passwords with relative ease. They may also employ more
sophisticated 'searching' tactics like using databases of common
passwords or previously breached credentials, which can
significantly speed up the process.
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Stealing Passwords
Stealing passwords can be as simple as finding a written note
containing login details or as complex as extracting passwords
from databases. For example, a common method of stealing
passwords is through database breaches where encrypted
password data is extracted and then cracked using various
techniques.
Another method is using malware that searches for and transmits

saved passwords from a user's browser or password
management software.
Attackers can gain physical access to a person's workspace and

look for sticky notes with passwords or access an unattended
computer where a user might have stayed logged in to sensitive
accounts. These are rudimentary but sometimes highly effective
means of stealing passwords.
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Keylogging & Manual

Guessing
Keylogging involves recording the keystrokes on a user’s
keyboard without their knowledge. Attackers can install
keylogging software on a victim's computer through phishing
emails or malicious downloads. Once installed, everything typed,
including passwords, is logged and sent to the attacker. For
instance, if a user types their banking details to log in to an online
account, a keylogger can capture this information, allowing the
attacker to access their financial services.
Manual guessing, on the other hand, relies on the attacker's

ability to guess passwords based on user information. Common
passwords like "123456," "password," or "admin" are often tried
first. Attackers might also make educated guesses based on
personal information publicly available or obtained through social
engineering, such as using a pet's name, birthdate, or favorite
sports team – details often shared on social media profiles.
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Social Engineering
Social engineering manipulates individuals into divulging
confidential information, such as passwords. A classic example is
phishing, where attackers pose as a trustworthy entity in an
electronic communication. For instance, users may receive an
email that looks like it's from their bank, asking them to confirm
their login details on a fake website that captures their
credentials.
Another example is pretexting, where an attacker fabricates a

scenario to compel a victim to release information. They might
call an employee posing as IT support, claiming they need the
employee's login details to resolve a non-existent issue. Through
persuasive storytelling and exploiting trust, attackers using social
engineering can bypass even the most sophisticated technical
safeguards.
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Shoulder Surfing
Shoulder surfing is the practice of directly observing
someone entering a password. This can happen in any
public place where individuals log into devices, like typing
a PIN at an ATM or entering a password on a laptop in a
coffee shop.
An attacker might simply glance over the user's shoulder

or use more discrete methods, such as using binoculars or
a hidden camera positioned to view a keyboard or screen.
In a work environment, shoulder surfing could occur when

an employee enters login credentials while a visitor or
another employee covertly watches. The simplicity of this
technique makes it particularly insidious, as it requires no
technical knowledge or tools – just an opportunistic
observer in the right place at the right time.
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Hackercombat.

Another form of interception is SSL stripping, where the attacker

Searching & Brute Force

With the advancement in computing power, brute force attacks

Another method is using malware that searches for and transmits

Attackers can gain physical access to a person's workspace and

Keylogging & Manual

Manual guessing, on the other hand, relies on the attacker's

Another example is pretexting, where an attacker fabricates a

An attacker might simply glance over the user's shoulder

In a work environment, shoulder surfing could occur when

Like Comment Share Save

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