Password Attacks

Password attacks involve attempts to gain unauthorized access to a system by exploiting weak or poorly protected passwords. These attacks can include methods like brute-force, where every possible password is tried, or dictionary attacks, which use common word lists.

Cracking refers to the process of breaking a password hash (a scrambled version of a password) to reveal the original password. Since hashes are often used to store passwords securely, cracking them requires specialized tools and techniques, such as hashcat or John the Ripper. These tools work by trying various combinations or exploiting vulnerabilities in the hashing algorithm.

Overall, password attacks and cracking are key concerns in cybersecurity, highlighting the importance of strong password practices and secure hashing methods to protect sensitive information.