dictionary attack
Brute force using vocabulary
A dictionary attack is a method of breaking into a password-protected system by systematically trying words from a list—typically common passwords, dictionary words, and predictable variations like "password123." The term contrasts with brute-force attacks, which try every possible character combination.
The breach succeeded because employees used simple passwords vulnerable to dictionary attacks.
Secret authentication strings
- credentialsEvidence of qualification or identity
- usernamesAccount login identifiers
- passphrasesMulti-word authentication strings
- hashesOctothorpes or breakfast medleys
authentication · login · access control · security questions · weak passwords
Compiled vocabulary set
- brute forcePower over technique
- automatedOperating without human control
- guessingEstimating without certainty
- combinationsUnions of separate parts
exhaustive · trial and error · script · algorithm · throttling · account lockout · iteration · permutations
Security block after failures
- CAPTCHAAutomated humanness verification
- multi-factor authenticationLogin requiring multiple proofs
- saltingApplying sodium chloride
- hashingOne-way data transformation
Multi-headed mythical serpent
- MedusaStone-gazing mythic creature
- Cain and AbelAdam's sons, first brothers
passwords
Secret authentication strings
- credentialsEvidence of qualification or identity
- usernamesAccount login identifiers
- passphrasesMulti-word authentication strings
hashes · authentication · login · access control · security questions · weak passwords
wordlist
Compiled vocabulary set
- brute forcePower over technique
- automatedOperating without human control
- guessingEstimating without certainty
combinations · exhaustive · trial and error · script · algorithm · throttling · account lockout · iteration · permutations · rule-based
account lockout
Security block after failures
- CAPTCHAAutomated humanness verification
- multi-factor authenticationLogin requiring multiple proofs
- saltingApplying sodium chloride
Hydra
Multi-headed mythical serpent
- MedusaStone-gazing mythic creature
- Cain and AbelAdam's sons, first brothers
attack, dictionary, dictate, attacker, attacking, diction, dictation