The era of innovations and threats calls for high-class security that every daily user needs to implement. Not only enjoy a tech-savvy world but also stay alert from growing threats like dictionary attacks. We live in an era where people are aware of everything but forget to implement it.
According to the security magazine, 53% of people admit they use the same password for different accounts. Additionally, 34% of employed people at the director level admit to using the common passwords.
These percentages show people still take cyberattacks like brute force attacks and a dictionary attack lightly. Do you know what a dictionary attack is and how to prevent it?
If you are still wondering, then just walk through the article with us.
What is a Dictionary Attack?
A dictionary attack is a type of cyberattack in which hackers obtain access to your accounts or data by repeatedly testing frequently used passwords, phrases, or words from a predetermined list. They guess the most commonly used passwords and then gain access to your credentials. The most common passwords include “123456,” “qwerty,” “Password123,” and “admin,” which are used by millions of people globally. Aside from this, most users like to include their names and birthdates, also listed at the top of the hacker’s dictionary. Such passwords are simple to crack for hackers; any dictionary attack may easily gain access.
Dictionary attack Vs. Brute Force Attack
Both attacks seem similar and will affect users equally, although dictionary attacks have a higher likelihood of success. Even though it is said that a dictionary attack is a type of brute force, we can’t ignore minor differences that separate them.
A dictionary attack involves hackers guessing passwords using a predetermined list of words to systematically try to crack account passwords. While brute force hacks do not use a list, they instead go through every possible combination of letters, symbols, and numbers that might be used to generate a password. In this approach, they have considerably fewer combinations to test, saving a large number of people from becoming victims.
How Does Dictionary Attack Work?
In a dictionary attack, hackers compile a list of predicted passwords. They include the most often used passwords by users worldwide, as well as the names of prominent athletes and celebrities. They also search for well-known series such as Harry Potter, Outer Banks, and Squid Game, which could tempt users to designate their favorite or trustworthy character as a secret keeper.
They never aim on point; they simply leave the dart in the air, and if it clicks, you lose. Let’s check out the steps hackers follow.
- Password List Creation: Attackers create dictionaries of widely used passwords, phrases, and password patterns.
- Automated Guessing: The list is run through automated software to attempt logins to a specific account.
- Exploit Success: If the password is correct, the attacker gains access to the account or system.
This list becomes a collection of keys that hackers enter one by one to unlock, but the manual method eventually renders it ineffective. Hackers opt for advanced automated tools to crack more complicated combinations by generating different character variations and determining whether they match your password.
If they are targeting a single country’s corporation, their list will most likely revolve around them, and their predicted passwords will be relevant to the organization. They often keep an eye on your social media platforms to gather information about users.
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How to Prevent Dictionary Attack
1. Use Strong, Unique Passwords
Forget about your birthdays and names; go for long phrases. It must contain more than 12 characters, a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. For example, you choose the phrase “Your security check is safe,” but it is not enough. Add more uniques with character modification like this, YawrSecUr!teeCh3K!S@phE!.
2. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Enable MFA over all your sensitive accounts. It will add extra layers of protection, which will make it difficult for users to access your accounts. It’s a kind of double-step verification in which you receive a code on your mobile device. You need to enter the correct code for verification and secure access.
3. Implement Account Lockout Policies
In this social world, oversharing on social media accounts also gives hints to hackers about your personal information, which can lead to a dictionary attack. To protect yourself in such a situation, you need to implement account lock policies, restricting unauthorized access. It temporarily freezes the account of the unauthorized user after a certain number of failed login attempts.
4. Utilize Password Managers
Use password managers to organize your account’s passwords so that you can save difficult or long passwords. It will help you not rely on weak ones. It not only helps you store your passwords but also suggests you customize strong passwords.
5. Encrypt Your Data
Encrypting data makes it more difficult for hackers to guess passwords or keys and gain access to the data. If so, the encrypted format renders the data unusable without the necessary decryption key. Use strong encryption techniques such as AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) to ensure high levels of protection against decoding attempts.
6. Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS)
An intrusion detection system (IDS) is an advanced technique to prevent dictionary attacks. It will examine network traffic to detect abnormal activities, such as several login attempts from the same IP address. If you set IDS, it automatically blocks the IP address or alerts administrators, adding an extra layer of security.
Conclusion: Take Steps!
A dictionary attack crawls into your system when you leave loopholes. You need to be very cautious while entering any of your personal information on your suspicious website. Avoid oversharing on your social media accounts, as they are the primary medium to collect information about the subject. Be clever and choose your passwords with logic. If you still rely on common passwords like 12345, Password123, your birthdays, or your pet names, change them now. Follow the preventions and prioritize your safety.
Play safe, stay safe!
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