Computer Science – 6.1 Data Security | e-Consult

Passwords are a common authentication method, but they are vulnerable to various attacks. Here are three common types of password attacks:

• Brute-Force Attack: This involves systematically trying every possible combination of characters until the correct password is found. Modern password cracking tools can automate this process, making it very effective against weak passwords.
• Dictionary Attack: This attack uses a list of common words and phrases (a dictionary) to try and guess the password. It's particularly effective against weak or easily guessable passwords.
• Phishing: Attackers trick users into revealing their passwords by posing as legitimate entities (e.g., banks, social media sites). This often involves creating fake websites that look identical to the real ones.

Users can significantly improve their password security by:

• Using strong, unique passwords: Passwords should be long (at least 12 characters) and contain a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Each account should have a different password.
• Using a password manager: Password managers can generate and store strong, unique passwords for all accounts.
• Enabling multi-factor authentication (MFA): MFA requires a second form of verification (e.g., a code sent to a mobile device) in addition to the password, making it much harder for attackers to gain access.
• Avoiding reusing passwords: If one account is compromised, attackers can use the same password to access other accounts.