What is a dictionary attack, and how do you protect yourself from it?

What is a dictionary attack?

Dictionary attacks are a common method used by hackers to try and gain access to online accounts. This type of attack involves using a pre-generated list of words and phrases that the hacker thinks will have the highest chance of success in guessing a person's password. The list can include words from a dictionary, common passwords that have been leaked in the past, or regional references or phrases that are specific to a particular area.

To carry out a dictionary attack, hackers use automated programs to try different combinations of possible usernames and passwords until they are able to break into an account. While this method can be effective, many apps and websites have measures in place to protect against dictionary attacks, such as automatically locking an account if an incorrect password is entered too many times in a row.

Dictionary attacks on hashed passwords

To carry out a dictionary attack on hashed passwords, hackers use automated programs to try different combinations of possible usernames and passwords until they are able to break into an account. The passwords are first hashed and then checked against a database of hashed passwords that have been obtained through a data leak. If the hash of the password being tested matches any of the hashes in the database, the hacker can determine the original password and use it to access the account.

How to protect yourself from a dictionary attack

To protect against these types of attacks, it is important to use strong, unique passwords that are not based on common words or phrases. It is also a good idea to use a password manager to generate and store complex, unique passwords for each of your accounts, and to enable two-factor authentication to add an extra layer of security to your accounts. By taking these precautions, you can help to protect yourself against dictionary attacks on hashed passwords and other cyber threats.

To protect against dictionary attacks:
- Use strong, unique passwords that are not based on common words or phrases
- Use a password manager to generate and store complex, unique passwords for each of your accounts
- Enable two-factor authentication on your accounts to add an extra layer of security
To create strong, unique passwords:
- Use a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters
- Avoid using personal information such as your name, address, or phone number
- Avoid using the same password for multiple accounts
- Use a password generator to create random, complex passwords

A password manager can help you create, store, and use strong, unique passwords for all your online accounts in a secure and convenient way.

How can a password manager help protect you?

A password manager like DrivePassword can be a valuable tool for protecting against dictionary attacks and other cyber threats. One of the main benefits of using a password manager is that it makes it easy to create strong, unique passwords that are not based on common words or phrases. This can significantly reduce the chances of your password being guessed or cracked in a dictionary attack.

In addition to helping you create and store strong passwords, DrivePassword may also offer features such as alerts if any of your accounts have been compromised in a data breach, giving you the opportunity to update your credentials before an attacker can use them to gain access to your account. DrivePassword may also alert you to any weak or reused passwords that are currently stored in your vault, allowing you to change them to something stronger.

DrivePassword may also act as an authenticator for websites and apps that support two-factor authentication (2FA). This means that you don't have to open your email or a separate authentication app to get your verification codes - DrivePassword will automatically fill them in for you in your browser. Overall, using a password manager like DrivePassword can help you create, store, and use strong, unique passwords more easily, while also providing additional security features to help protect you against dictionary attacks and other cyber threats.