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What is a brute force attack?

This is where an attacker will attempt to hack into a system, network or application using all possible password combinations.

A brute force attack is a hacking method where attackers try all possible password combinations until they guess the correct one. This is done using automated tools that can attempt thousands or even millions of passwords per second.

How Does a Brute Force Attack Work?

  1. The attacker selects a target account or system.
  2. They use a tool to rapidly guess passwords (trial and error method).
  3. If the correct password is found, the attacker gains unauthorized access.

Types of Brute Force Attacks:

  1. Simple Brute Force Attack – Tries every possible password combination.
  2. Dictionary Attack – Uses a list of common passwords (e.g., "password123", "admin", "qwerty").
  3. Credential Stuffing – Uses stolen username-password pairs from previous data breaches.
  4. Reverse Brute Force Attack – Starts with a common password and tries it across many usernames.
  5. Hybrid Brute Force Attack – Combines dictionary attacks with slight modifications (e.g., adding numbers or symbols).

How to Prevent Brute Force Attacks:

Use Strong Passwords – At least 12+ characters with a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols.
Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) – Adds an extra layer of security.
Limit Login Attempts – Lock accounts after multiple failed login tries.
Use CAPTCHA – Prevents automated bots from making unlimited attempts.
Monitor and Block Suspicious IPs – Identify and restrict attackers' access.
Use Password Managers – Generate and store complex passwords securely.