Passwords are meant to secure critical accounts and applications. However, in this digital age, passwords are more of a cyber threat than a cybersecurity measure.
Amidst the alternatives to passwords like biometrics, MFA, 2FA, Soft tokens, etc. Passwords are still a cyber attackers’ delight given how vulnerable they are.
So, here are the 3 major attacking methods that malicious actors ordinarily try to crack the passwords and how you can combat them.
#1 Dictionary Attack
In this attack, the cyber attacker systematically uses every word of the dictionary to steal the password or find the key to decrypt the data. The cyber attacker is most likely to be successful with this attack, especially when a system or application is secured with ordinary and simple passwords.
Tip to combat Dictionary Attack
The best way to defend a system from a dictionary attack is to secure the systems and applications with a strong practice. It would be highly beneficial to conform to the standard practices of creating a password- 8 or more characters made up of numbers, alphabets of smaller and upper case, special characters, etc. Also, limiting the number of attempts to access the system or application will help in combating Dictionary Attacks significantly.
#2 Keylogger Attack
Your keyboard and your key stroking style are the essential tools a cyber attacker uses for a Keylogger Attack. Every user has a unique way of entering the password into the system. The typing speed pauses taken, the number of attempts taken varies from one to and another. However, this unique trait is taken advantage of in a Keylogger Attack. Software keyloggers are installed on a user’s system to record and capture his/her keystrokes.
Tip to combat Keylogger Attack
Be aware of suspicious links or attacks that allow keyloggers to be installed in your system. It is also important to change your passwords frequently, opt for long, complex passwords, and refrain from using the same or similar password for multiple accounts.
#3 Brute-Force Attack
This perhaps is the most common yet disastrous password attacking method. The attacker places a bot in the system and makes repeated attempts to break into a system by strategically using numerous combinations of usernames and passwords. An attacker, who is experienced and who knows about the generally accepted password complexity rules can easily steal a password using Brute-Force Attack.
Tip to combat Brute-Force Attack
A Brute-Force attack can be prevented by following security protocols such as limiting login attempts, using CAPTCHA, limit access to specific IP addresses, and monitor server logs.
You may certainly keep such disruptive password attacks at bay by conforming to the above-mentioned tips. However, one measure will prove to be extremely effective in achieving frictionless password security- Investing in a comprehensive IAM solution.
Experience optimal password security with CI
CI offers cloud-based IAM solutions with Multi-Factor Authentication. It is always viable for any organization to deploy such modular identity management solutions and guard your credentials in the best way possible and take full leverage of the benefits of Multi-Factor Authentication.
Choose layered authentication to secure your passwords and always stay one step ahead of the hackers.
Connect with us at inquiry@crossidentity.com and know more about deploying our solutions.
