What is a brute force attack?

Protection Against Brute Force Attacks

In the virtual world, protecting personal data is becoming a critical task. Numerous threats exist, with brute force attacks being among the most significant. Hackers use this method to crack passwords and gain access to private information, which can result in data loss, financial damage, and reputational risks. This is particularly dangerous for businesses.

This article will discuss what brute force attacks are, their methods, and how to protect against them.

Goals and Objectives of Brute Force Attacks

A brute force attack is a systematic method of guessing passwords, encryption keys, and various codes to gain access to protected data. Special programs generate and test a vast number of password variations within a short time, attempting to find the correct one.

The attack starts with a function targeting a specific object and continues until all possible combinations are tested or a set limit is reached. If successful, the attacker extracts credentials (such as a username and password) that the system recognizes as legitimate.

Brute force can be used for both illicit purposes and cybersecurity testing. For example, malicious actors use it to break into accounts, systems, or applications, often combining it with social engineering techniques.

“White hat” hackers, testers, and cybersecurity professionals use brute force to assess system vulnerabilities. They identify weak spots in protected areas, helping developers create more secure systems resistant to cyberattacks.

Thus, brute force serves as both a cyberattack method and a necessary tool for improving security.

Types of Brute Force Attacks

There are multiple forms of cyberattacks targeting different objectives, including:

• Applications
• Personal computers
• Email accounts
• User accounts
• Websites

The attacks vary in approach and tools, adapting to the target’s specifics and security level.

Simple Brute Force Attack

A simple brute force attack systematically guesses passwords or codes using a specialized program.

Modern technology allows for billions of password combinations to be tested per second. Simple or predictable passwords significantly increase security risks, especially for financial systems.

Dictionary Attack

A dictionary attack uses a precompiled list of passwords (“dictionary”) to guess login credentials. Attackers create or acquire lists of commonly used passwords, including:

• Popular character combinations
• Names of famous individuals
• Significant dates
• Common phrases or words

Databases obtained from previous hacks or the dark web often contain real user passwords and their frequent variations.

Credential Stuffing

Credential stuffing is an attack method where hackers use stolen usernames and passwords to access multiple services. This technique exploits users’ habit of reusing credentials across platforms.

The process follows these steps:

1. Hackers obtain login credentials from breached databases.
2. These credentials are automatically tested on various websites and services.
3. If the credentials match, the attacker gains unauthorized access.

A single compromised account can lead to access across multiple financial, social, and corporate platforms.

Reverse Brute Force Attack

A reverse brute force attack starts with a known or commonly used password and attempts to match it with different usernames. Instead of testing multiple passwords for a single login, this method checks a single password across many accounts.

Steps include:

• Extracting a known password (e.g., from a leaked database).
• Testing it across multiple logins on various platforms.
• Gaining unauthorized access to accounts where a match is found.

Reverse brute force attacks effectively compromise numerous accounts using predictable or popular passwords.

Hybrid Attack

A hybrid attack combines dictionary and brute force techniques. It targets passwords where users add predictable modifications.

How it works:

1. Using a base dictionary containing common words, phrases, or names.
2. Adding numerical combinations such as “123,” “2024,” or personal details like birth years.
3. Testing the generated combinations on targeted accounts.

Hybrid attacks are particularly dangerous because they mix dictionary-based efficiency with brute force flexibility, cracking seemingly complex passwords like “Anna2000” or “John12345.”

Password Guessing

Password guessing attacks exploit security weaknesses, bypassing authentication restrictions.

Examples include:

• Distributed attacks: Hackers use botnets or multiple IP addresses to submit login attempts from different devices, avoiding IP-based rate limiting.
• Weak authentication points: Targeting entry points with lax security measures, such as poorly protected APIs or third-party apps with minimal login restrictions.

Despite advancements in security, these attacks persist due to authentication flaws and human error.

Personalized Hacking

Personalized hacking (social engineering) manipulates users into revealing sensitive information, which is then used to gain access to accounts or corporate systems.

Key steps:

1. Building trust: The attacker impersonates a familiar person or authority figure.
2. Gathering data: The victim is tricked into disclosing login credentials, security answers, or personal details.
3. Using the information: The obtained data is leveraged for unauthorized access.

Personalized hacking is highly effective, especially when users are unaware of social engineering tactics.

Brute-Check

Brute-check attacks involve testing stolen or compromised passwords across various platforms.

Steps:

1. Hackers use stolen credential databases.
2. Automated programs test these credentials on selected services (email, social media, etc.).
3. Successful matches are recorded for further exploitation.

Brute-check attacks are often paired with social engineering to exploit weak security measures.

Botnets

A botnet is a network of infected computers or devices controlled by attackers.

How botnets operate:

1. Infection: Devices are compromised through phishing, malware, or security vulnerabilities.
2. Remote control: All infected devices connect to a central command server.
3. Scaling attacks: The botnet executes large-scale operations, including brute force attacks.

Botnet characteristics:

• Compromised devices operate in the background, often unnoticed.
• Attack sources are difficult to trace, complicating investigations.
• The scale of attacks can impact entire industries or regions.

Botnets are among the most powerful cybersecurity threats.

Protection Against Brute Force Attacks

To mitigate brute force attacks, follow these best practices:

• Use strong passwords: Create unique combinations for each account, including uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Example: My$ecur3P@ssw0rd.
• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): Even if a password is compromised, attackers need access to your phone for verification.
• Utilize biometric authentication: Fingerprint or facial recognition adds extra security.
• Avoid suspicious links: Phishing emails often contain malware or credential-stealing links.
• Update software regularly: Keep operating systems, antivirus programs, and applications up to date to patch vulnerabilities.
• Use security tools:
  • Limit login attempts.
  • Enable suspicious activity notifications.
  • Monitor systems for malware.
• Manage passwords effectively: Use password managers to store and generate strong credentials.
• Restrict login attempts: Set limits to prevent automated brute force attempts.

Implementing these practices significantly reduces brute force attack risks.

Brute Force Tools

Various tools exist for both launching and defending against brute force attacks. While some are used by hackers, cybersecurity professionals utilize them to test and strengthen security.

Popular tools include:

• Hydra – Open-source tool supporting multiple cracking methods.
• Metasploit – Powerful security testing framework.
• Brutus – Classic brute force attack tool.
• Brute Forcer – Password-cracking and credential analysis program.

Conclusion

Modern cyber threats employ sophisticated attack techniques, often using automation. Awareness of hacking methods and adherence to cybersecurity principles minimizes risk. Protecting sensitive information is a shared responsibility between website owners and users.