Are brute force attack always an exhausive key search?
A brute-force attack in the context of cybersecurity and classical cryptography is a method used to decrypt data by systematically trying all possible keys until the correct one is found. It is often associated with an exhaustive key search, which implies attempting every potential key in the keyspace until the correct one is identified. The
How does salting enhance password security, and why is it important to use stronger hash functions?
Salting is a technique used to enhance password security in web applications. It involves adding a random value, known as a salt, to each password before hashing it. This salt is then stored alongside the hashed password in the database. The primary purpose of salting is to defend against precomputed rainbow table attacks, where an
- Published in Cybersecurity, EITC/IS/WASF Web Applications Security Fundamentals, Authentication, Introduction to authentication, Examination review
What vulnerability exists in the system even with password hashing, and how can attackers exploit it?
A vulnerability that may exist in a system even with password hashing is known as "password cracking" or "brute force attacks." Despite the use of password hashing, attackers can still exploit this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to a user's account. In this answer, we will explore the concept of password cracking, understand how it
How does password length impact the time it takes to crack a password?
In the realm of cybersecurity, the strength of a password plays a important role in protecting sensitive information and ensuring the integrity of web applications. One of the key factors that determines the strength of a password is its length. The length of a password directly impacts the time it takes for an attacker to
- Published in Cybersecurity, EITC/IS/WASF Web Applications Security Fundamentals, Authentication, Introduction to authentication, Examination review
Why are short passwords more vulnerable to cracking attempts?
Short passwords are more vulnerable to cracking attempts due to several reasons. Firstly, shorter passwords have a smaller search space, which refers to the number of possible combinations that an attacker needs to try in order to guess the correct password. This means that it takes less time for an attacker to exhaust all possible