In this connected digital era, data security is at stake. Like diamonds in the desert, personal data and business secrets are the constant target of digital hackers. One of the oldest but still powerful modus operandi is the brute force attack, which is a mass forced attempt to crack passwords and break into security systems.

 

Like a pack of hungry wolves, these brute force attackers tirelessly try password combinations until they find the key to open the forbidden gate.

 

Their motives range from exploiting advertisements for financial gain to stealing sensitive data that can destroy a company’s reputation. The latest technological advancements even threaten to make it easier for the perpetrators to carry out their actions.

 

But don’t let your guard down and worry too much about it, because there are powerful weapons to fight it. By understanding the intricacies of brute force attacks, we can build strong defenses to protect valuable assets.

 

Get ready to uncover the dangers that lurk and the 5 best defensive strategies for dealing with unforgiving brute force attacks.

 

 

What is a Brute Force Attack? Getting to Know the Forcer

A brute force attack is a hacking method that utilizes the gross power of a computer to try all possible combinations of passwords, login credentials, or encryption keys until it finds the right one, as we quoted from the Kaspersky.com. website.

 

Historically, this technique was done manually by hackers who tested one by one popular password combinations such as “password123”. However, with the development of technology, brute force attacks can now be automated and carried out massively by high-speed computers.

 

Brute force attacks are often the last resort for hackers when other hacking attempts fail. Although time-consuming, this approach has proven to still be able to break into security systems with less robust passwords. One famous example is the hacking of a famous person’s email account that sparked a global scandal.

 

Types of Brute Force Attacks You Need to Be Wary of!

Did you know that not all brute force attacks are created equal? Here are the variations that hackers often use:

 

1. Simple Brute Force Attack

 

The first type of simple brute force attack is the most basic type of attack where the hacker tries to guess the password manually or uses a simple program to try all possible combinations of numbers and letters.

 

2. Dictionary Attack

 

In this type, hackers utilize a list of popular, commonly used passwords such as pet names or birth dates to shorten the search time.

 

3. Hybrid Attack

 

This hybrid attack combines a dictionary attack with simple brute force in order to broaden the scope of searching for password combinations that may be much more difficult than a dictionary attack.

 

4. Reverse Attack

 

This attack is the opposite of a normal brute force attack, where the hacker starts with a known password to search for a valid username.

 

5. Credentials

 

In this attack the hacker tries to capitalize on the bad habits of careless users by using the same password across multiple accounts by attempting a pre-stolen username and password combination.

 

A Peek Behind the Motives of Brute Force Attackers

Did you know that stealing data and breaking into security systems is not the ultimate goal for brute force hackers. Here are the motives behind their actions that you need to be aware of:

 

1. Exploiting Ads and Activity Data

Many hackers launch attacks to manipulate advertisements on websites in order to financially benefit from every click or ad view.

 

2. Stealing Valuable Personal Data

 

Access to personal accounts opens up access to steal sensitive information such as financial data, medical information, and identity.

 

3. Spreading Malicious Malware

 

Brute force attacks are often used to spread malware to infect more computers and networks.

 

4. Hijacking Systems for Cyber Crimes

 

The motives of compromised computers can be utilized for activities such as attacking larger network systems or mass DDoS attacks.

 

5. Destroying Business Reputation

 

Some malicious actors just want to tarnish the good name of a company or website by filling it with inappropriate content or damaging credibility.

 

6. The Attackers’ Mainstay Weaponry

 

To maximize success, hackers utilize specialized software and hardware in their attacks such as:

 

1. Using Password Cracking Software

 

It may not be widely known that many hackers use sophisticated tools such as Aircrack-ng for Wi-Fi or John the Ripper to crack password hashes.

 

2. High Computing Power for Mass Attacks

 

Using GPU Processors and CPUs with high computing power makes it possible to find password combinations on a large scale massively and quickly.

 

Potential Risks of Brute Force Attacks on the Crypto Industry

 

Perhaps not many people know that brute force attacks also have the potential to jeopardize security in the crypto industry, such as on crypto assets, wallets, crypto platforms and asset-related applications in the crypto world, there are several categories that are possible to attack:

 

For example, many crypto platforms use unique passwords, phrases or codes to secure crypto assets such as Bitcoin. For example, one overseas crypto trading institution uses unique phrases such as “58=P@” to protect crypto portfolios.

 

Such phrases are potentially dangerous if compromised or hacked. When used in the system, phrases like “58=P@” are also known as “Brain Wallet”. Many crypto companies use Brain Wallets to manage their own crypto portfolios. They are protected with HMAC-SHA-256, which allows the phrase to be made secret. This is similar to the Haberakan compromise attack.

 

But some time ago, this attack was used to attack the crypto of one company. Where hackers who attacked on one crypto platform made it possible to gain access to the website with various strategies to get into customer accounts such as hacking passwords or in other ways.

 

 

Tips for Building a Strong Defense Against Brute Force Strategies

Given the dangers that can threaten data security, strong defense measures are needed to deal with brute force attacks. Here are strategies that can be implemented:

 

1. Strengthen Passwords

 

Passwords One of the best lines of defense is to use passwords that are long, complex, and do not follow common patterns. Avoid using passwords like birth dates or pet names that are easy to guess. Also, utilize a secure password manager to keep all passwords protected.

 

2. Protect Data

 

The next tip is to protect data with encryption and hashing techniques used to store user login data. Also use salting methods (the addition of random data before it is put through a hash function) to make passwords even harder to crack. This is important to protect sensitive information such as usernames and passwords.

 

3. Improve Encryption and Multi-Factor Authentication

 

Next, don’t just rely on complex passwords, upgrade your data encryption system with the strongest algorithms such as 256-bit AES. Also add multi-factor authentication such as one-time tokens or biometric authentication to secure access.

 

4. Login Attempt Restriction and IP Blocking

 

Enabling restrictions on the number of login attempts allowed within a certain period of time can also be a powerful strategy to prevent brute force. If there are indications of multiple failed login attempts, block the IP address immediately to prevent suspicious activity.

 

5. Strict Account Management

 

The trick is to delete accounts that are no longer active or not used, and limit access rights only to users who really need them. Perform regular audits on other access accounts with high access permissions.

 

Also, increase vigilance by monitoring any suspicious activity such as repeated failed login attempts. Also keep an eye on the latest security releases to quickly fix any identified vulnerabilities.

 

However, it is important to note that no system is 100% immune to brute force attacks. But by implementing the best security standards and measures above, organizations and individuals can build a strong defense to prevent and minimize the risk of exposure to this type of cyberattack.

 

Conclusion

 

Brute force attacks are one of the oldest cybersecurity threats but are still relevant in this modern era. The diverse motives of the perpetrators, supported by the sophistication of technology, make it still a favorite modus operandi in the world of hacking.

 

But despite the threat, there are ways to build a strong defense. From strengthening password management practices, to improving encryption and authentication systems, to strict account management, a variety of measures can be taken.

 

Most importantly, realize that data security is a shared responsibility. Organizations need to facilitate secure systems and policies, while individual users should adopt habits that support maximum security.

 

It is inevitable that brute force attacks will continue to evolve over time. But with the right defense strategies and consistent vigilance, we can deter attackers and keep valuable assets safe from their reach. The future of cybersecurity is in our hands.

 

Well, that was the information about the dangers of brute force attacks ranging from understanding to tips on strategies for building defenses against attacks.

 

And don’t forget to update your insight into the world of crypto and blockchain technology by reading various updated information from the crypto academy, by recognizing the crypto assets to be invested in later, of course, the more knowledge you have, the wiser the investment decisions that can be made.

 

Additional information to make it easier for you to trade crypto via mobile, let’s use the best crypto application from INDODAX which you can download for free on the Google Play Store and App Store.

 

FAQ

1. What is a brute force attack?

 

A brute force attack is a hacking method that attempts to crack a password, login credentials, or encryption key by forcibly trying all possible combinations.

 

2. What are the types of brute force attacks?

 

The types of brute force attacks include simple, dictionary, hybrid, reverse, and credential stuffing attacks.

 

3. Why do hackers perform brute force attacks?

 

The motives behind brute force attacks include exploiting advertising/activity data, stealing personal data, spreading malware, hijacking systems, or destroying a company/website’s reputation.

 

4. What tools are used in brute force attacks?

 

Tools used include password cracking software such as Aircrack-ng and John the Ripper, as well as hardware with high computing power such as GPUs and CPUs.

 

5. How to build defenses against brute force attacks?

 

Defenses include strengthening password practices, protecting user login data, improving encryption and authentication, limiting login attempts, strict account management, and monitoring suspicious activity.