Categories: Security Tips

What is a Dictionary Attack and How to Prevent it?

In a Dictionary attack, cyber-criminals use password guessing techniques to bypass the security walls of a password-protected device. In this, hackers use numerous combinations of usernames and passwords to guess the correct credentials.

A series of dictionary words are used in a systematic order to crack the password combinations. Unlike a Brute Force Attack, the Dictionary attacks only use the passwords which have a greater possibility of being correct. It is usually seen that ordinary and common words are used as passwords by home users and businesses.

Easy To Hack Passwords

Since most of the passwords used are set by individual users, there stands a greater possibility of common words and combinations.

Some of the common password combinations and patterns are:

  • A varied combination of their date of birth, first name, month name, account name, address, and much more.
  • Name of their family members pets names in a combination of capital and small letters.
  • Alphanumeric combination of names and dates is also a common form of password.
  • Prominent word combinations are another form of passwords used by home users and businesses.

Preventive Measures Against Dictionary Attack

Here are a few useful methods that will help you protect yourself from being a victim of Dictionary Attack.

  1. Strong passwords: It is one of the easiest yet the most effective preventive measures that one could ever use. By increasing your password complexity you can easily fight Dictionary attacks. A complex, unique, and long password with alphanumeric characters are not found in dictionaries and are hard to guess.
  • The minimum length of your password should be 8 characters.
  • It should contain both small and uppercase alphabets.
  • Your password must include a numeric digit.
  • The usage of special characters is a must for strong passwords.

2. Regularly change your passwords: Changing your passwords regularly will also guard you against Dictionary attacks. Many enterprise-level organizations require you to reset your account passwords in regular intervals, the same should be followed by home users. Changing account passwords every 30 days can help you strengthen the security walls of your device.

3. Disable Root Login: A good way of protecting your root connection is by disabling the root login of your device.

4. Device lockout on failed login attempts: This method involved disabling your account after several failed login attempts. This creates a pause between each attempt and will avoid the hackers from guessing your password too quickly.

Stay informed and protect yourself from being a victim of a Dictionary attack.

Adrian

View Comments

  • The whole upper, lower case, numbers and special character requirements are outdated.
    The creator of that system even regrets it.

    A secure password is a long password that's memorable. The longer the password, the better.

Recent Posts

Block Spotify Ads: Is it Worth and Legal? Useful Tips

As a Spotify Free user, you might feel like you want to block Spotify ads. This could be because they…

12 months ago

Hacked Spotify Account? Tips to Regain Access

As it is one of the most popular digital music, podcast, and video services, a hacked Spotify account may be…

12 months ago

Learn about Cracking. Essential Security Tips to Keep It Away

You may, or may not have heard about cracking. Either way, you should be aware of this threat, and learn…

1 year ago

What Is Victim Fraud Shame? Useful Tips to Fight Against It

Victim fraud shame is a very dangerous thing that may happen to those who become online victims. Some of them…

1 year ago

Five Steps to Stay Safe Online. Essential Security Tips

We assume that everybody wants to stay safe online. For this, some simple, still very important rules should be followed.…

1 year ago

How to Report Cybercrime? Become a Security Hero

Have you ever thought about how you could report Cybercrime? Maybe you or one of your friends became the victim…

1 year ago