Creating different kinds of passwords is the most common method of user authentication. Users favor passwords because they understand the reasoning behind them and because developers can easily apply them. On the other side, passwords could have security issues. A program known as a “password cracker” can be used to recover passwords from credentials obtained through a data breach or other incident.
Definition of Password Cracker
Password cracking refers to a variety of techniques for deciphering computer passwords. This is normally done by retrieving passwords from data saved on a computer system or data that has been transferred from it. Password cracking is accomplished by either guessing the password repeatedly or using a computer algorithm that attempts a variety of possibilities until the password is successfully revealed.
Password cracking may be done for a variety of purposes, but the most nefarious is to get illegal access to a computer without the owner’s knowledge. As a consequence, cybercrime emerges, such as the theft of passwords in order to get access to financial information.
Password cracking may also occur for non-malicious causes, such as when a password is lost or forgotten. Another example of nonmalicious password cracking is when a system administrator performs password strength testing as a type of protection to ensure that hackers cannot simply get access to secured systems.
The password of a user is not stored in a well-designed password-based authentication system. A hacker or a hostile insider would have much too easy access to all of the system’s user accounts as a result of this.
Authentication mechanisms instead even save a hashing algorithm, which is the result of passing the password — together with a random value called a salt — through a hash algorithm. Hash functions are supposed to be one-way, which makes determining the input that creates a particular result very difficult. Because hash functions are deterministic (i.e., the same input gives the same output), comparing two password hashes (the stored one and the hash of the password given by a user) is almost as good as comparing the genuine passwords. The technique of obtaining passwords from the accompanying password hash is known as password cracking. This may be done in a number of different ways:
- Dictionary attack: The majority of individuals use passwords that are simple and easy to remember. A password cracker can rapidly learn a large number of passwords by taking a list of words and adding a few variants, such as replacing $ for s.
- Brute-force guessing attack: At this moment, there’re only numerous types of possible passwords of a given length in a brute-force guessing assault. While slow, a brute-force assault (trying all possible password combinations) ensures that the password will ultimately be cracked. A hybrid assault is one that combines both of these 2 approaches. It begins with a dictionary attack to test whether a password can be cracked, then proceeds on to a brute-force assault if that fails.
It is possible for any hacker to utilize most password-cracking or password-finding tools to carry out any of these assaults. This article will go through some of the most popular password crackers which may be beneficial for you to some certain extent.
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15 Most Popular Password Cracking Tools
Hashcat
Hashcat is now considered one of the most well-known and extensively utilized password cracking programs available. It runs on all OS systems and can handle over 300 distinct kinds of hashes. Hashcat allows for highly parallelized password cracking, with the ability to break many passwords on several devices at the same time and support for a distributed hash-cracking system through overlays. With integrated performance tweaking and temperature monitoring, cracking is optimized.
John the Ripper
Password cracking is available from John the Ripper for a range of password types. It includes typical online software (such as WordPress), compressed archives, document files (such as Microsoft Office files, PDFs, and others), and more. There is also a pro edition of the utility that has more functionality and native packages for the target operating systems.
Brutus
Brutus is a famous internet password cracking tool that may be used remotely. It promises to be the quickest and most versatile password cracker available. This program is free and only works on Windows computers. It was first released in October of 2000. Custom protocols, NetBus, HTTP (HTML Form/CGI), Telnet, NNTP, SMB, IMAP, FTP, POP3, and other authentication methods are all supported by Brutus.
It may also handle multi-stage authentication methods and simultaneously attack up to sixty separate targets. It also allows you to stop, continue, and import attacks. Brutus hasn’t been updated in a long time. Its flexibility to install new modules and support for a broad range of authentication protocols, however, make it a popular tool for online password cracking assaults.
Wfuzz
Wfuzz is a web application password-cracking tool similar to Brutus that uses a brute-force guessing assault to break passwords. It may also be used to locate resources like folders, servlets, and scripts that are hidden. Wfuzz may also detect injection vulnerabilities such as SQL injection inside an application. The following are some of the key features of the Wfuzz password-cracking tool:
- Various injection sites in multiple folders
- Brute-forcing of authentication data, headers, and output in colored HTML Post
- Support for proxy and SOCK servers, as well as numerous proxy servers
- HTTP password brute-force using multi-threading through GET or POST requests
- The time between requests is delayed.
- Fuzzing of cookies
THC Hydra
Hydra is a parallelized password cracker that can target a variety of protocols. It’s quick and adaptable, and adding new modules is simple. Researchers and security consultants may utilize this program to demonstrate how simple it is to acquire unauthorized remote access to a system. You’ll often come across information claiming that hydra is one of the quickest network login crackers. You’ll also notice that, unlike other hackers’ tools, hydra supports numerous protocol assaults.
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Medusa
Medusa, like THC Hydra, is an online password-cracking tool. It advertises itself as a fast parallel, modular, and brute-force login tool. Because Medusa is a command-line tool, it requires some command-line experience. The speed with which a password may be cracked is determined by network connection. It can test 2,000 passwords per minute on a local machine. Parallelized assaults are also supported by Medusa. It is also possible to specify a list of usernames or email addresses to test during an attack, in addition to a wordlist of passwords to attempt.
RainbowCrack
There is a time-memory tradeoff in any password cracking. The password-cracking procedure is reduced to a table lookup if an attacker has precomputed a table of password/hash pairings and saved them as a “rainbow table.” This is why passwords are now salted: by adding a unique, random value to each password before hashing it, the number of rainbow tables needed increases dramatically. RainbowCrack is a password cracking application that uses rainbow tables to break passwords. Custom rainbow tables may be created or pre-existing rainbow tables can be obtained from the internet.
OphCrack
OphCrack is a password cracking program for Windows that uses rainbow tables to break passwords. It is the most common password cracking program for Windows, but it may also be used on Linux and Mac. It can decrypt both LM and NTLM hashes. Free rainbow tables are also available for cracking Windows XP, Vista, and Windows 7. A live OphCrack CD is also available to make cracking easier. OphCrack’s Live CD may be used to break Windows-based passwords. This program is free to use.
L0phtCrack
OphCrack may be replaced by L0phtCrack. It tries to decrypt Windows passwords using hashes. Windows PCs, network servers, primary domain controllers, and Active Directory are all used to break passwords. It also generates and guesses passwords utilizing a dictionary and brute-force techniques. Symantec bought it and discontinued it in 2006. L0pht developers eventually reclaimed it and released L0phtCrack in 2009. L0phtCrack also has the ability to scan for password security scans on a regular basis. Daily, weekly, or monthly audits may be configured, and it will begin scanning at the specified time.
Aircrack-ng
Aircrack-ng is a Wi-Fi password cracker that can crack WEP, WPA/WPA2 PSK, and WPA/WPA2 TKIP passwords. It examines wireless encrypted packets before attempting to break passwords using dictionary attacks and other tracking techniques such as PTW, FMS, and others. It’s compatible with both Linux and Windows platforms. Aircrack also has a live CD available. Aircrack-ng is a comprehensive toolset for assessing the security of WiFi networks. It focuses on several aspects of WiFi security, including:
Monitoring: Using third-party software, capture packets and export data to text files for further analysis.
Packet insertion attacks include replay attacks, de-authentication, rogue access points, and others.
Check your WiFi card and driver’s capabilities (snap and insert)
WEP and WPA PSK Jailbreak For intensive scripting, all tools are command line. This functionality is already used by a large number of graphical user interfaces. It operates on Linux, but it also works on Windows, macOS, and eComStation 2.
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Password Cracker
Password Cracker is a desktop utility that allows you to view concealed passwords in Windows applications. When establishing an account, certain programs utilize asterisks to mask passwords. You won’t need to scribble passwords down on a piece of paper if you utilize the tool. When enabled, you may view the password by hovering your cursor over the Test area.
Password Cracker is an excellent program for recovering passwords that have been lost. Most Windows apps’ concealed passwords may be recovered with it. The program, on the other hand, is unable to recover MS Office password-protected documents since password encryption is not supported.
AirCrack
AirCrack is now a completely free desktop program that cracks Wi-Fi passwords. Passwords for WPA and WEP are cracked by the program. It may also be used to increase Wi-Fi security by monitoring, creating bogus access points, and testing connections. The program examines encrypted packets and employs its technique to break them. For obtaining Wi-Fi passwords, AirCrack is a fantastic tool. It’s also possible to utilize the app to keep track of network traffic.
RainbowCrack
RainbowCrack is a free desktop application that may be used to break password hashes. Passwords from online apps may be recovered using this program. It is quicker than other brute-force password breakers in cracking passwords. For calculating passwords, the software employs a time-memory trade-off method. The results are saved in a rainbow table, which may be used to brute force break a password. RainbowCrack uses precomputed tables to recover passwords. The program may be used to reverse cryptographic hash functions, which can be used to recover passwords that have been lost.
Cain and Abel
Cain and Abel is a free password cracking program designed for forensics specialists, security experts, and network administrators. The program may monitor network traffic as a sniffer. Passwords may also be recovered via recording VoIP conversations, examining routing protocols, decoding encrypted passwords, and revealing cached passwords. One of the most widely used password cracking programs is Cain and Abel. The application’s use of a wide range of password cracking methods has been appreciated by the majority of reviewers. The app’s sole drawback is that it’s only compatible with Windows. This tool has the following features:
Windows platform is supported.
Observe traffic as a Sniffer.
Dictionary Attacks and Cryptanalysis Attacks may all be used to break encrypted passwords.
Password boxes that are revealed
APR, SSH-1, and HTTPS protocols are all being sniffed.
CrackStation
CrackStation is a password hash cracking service that is available for free to the public. This is a variant of the Dictionary Attack that uses both dictionary terms and public password dumps. The service breaks password hashes using pre-computed search databases with approximately 15 billion entries culled from different web sources. CrackStation is an excellent program for breaking password hashes. For fast cracking a large number of hashes, it employs lookup tables. However, the program only operates with hashes that aren’t encrypted and don’t include a randomized sequence.
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How to Create Strong Passwords?
Password is the most popular authentication method today to help users easily log in to several accounts and online services. The shorter the password, the lower the security and vice versa, but the criterion for creating a strong enough password is not entirely dependent on the short length.
What is a strong password?
Websites and online services recommend that users set a password with at least 8 characters (numbers, symbols, punctuation marks), the characters must be unique, randomly selected, and especially not obeyed. in any order or meaning (name of a flower, date of birth, phone number…). Researchers have explained this, 8 characters bring an extremely large amount of “hidden” information to help users avoid attack tools from hackers such as password prediction, and password detection. …
This has been used by some big companies like Google, Microsoft, and Apple… as a basic standard, requiring users to set up passwords including numbers, uppercase letters, lowercase letters, and set characters. separate. Thus, a strong password must ensure the following factors:
- Use a minimum of 8 characters, and a maximum of 15 characters.
- Include numbers, lowercase letters, uppercase letters, and special characters.
- Only, not shared for other accounts.
- No accompanying meanings (phone number, date of birth, place name…).
- Do not utilize personal names.
- Do not utilize well-known numbers.
- Do not utilize the information in the password for a secret question (a secret question is a method to help users reset a password when they forget it).
Why should you set a strong password?
Passwords are used to protect users’ personal information, if this information is leaked, it will be posted for sale and shared publicly. And it’s dangerous when bad actors proceed to take advantage of your information for other purposes.
Hackers can easily rent an unlimited number of servers at online services like Amazon for just a few dollars, then they will utilize malicious tools and the power of the server cluster to conduct registration. and “randomly” enter common passwords into user accounts. And if your account is using common passwords such as 12345678, 1234abcd…then your personal information is easily compromised illegally.
How to create a strong password?
- Integrate card codes right into the system
The last technique creates extremely secure password strings with the method of integrating card codes right on the system. In most corporations, employees are provided with magnetic cards or access cards, these numbers will change on a regular, periodic basis and are used during the login process. Likewise, you can print out and carry a card that stores part of the password and the rest of the password you need to remember. If someone finds part of your password, they still can’t figure out the rest. At the same time, this method will make you forget the past when you have a sad anniversary.
- Create passwords based on your memorable days
Another method is to use numbers. To remember random numbers correctly is not a simple task. The first number that many people think of and utilize is birthdays and unfortunately because those days are too easy for hackers. You need a date that is more secure, in other words, utilize a date that is important and memorable to you but makes sure no one knows about it. It could be the first day you kissed someone or the day your parents bought you a new car.
- Utilize technical terminology
Another interesting method is to utilize technical terms in different professions. Each is an expert in his or her own career field. Based on that, you can choose a technical term that you are familiar with to create a strong password.
- Utilize keymap
Like the password method in smartphone models. You rely on the keyboard pattern to generate your own passwords. Using this method, you can change to lengthen the password. A hacker could potentially run an algorithm to figure out your password, so it’s a good idea to invent more complex patterns such as one-key travel, and diagonal travel to keep your password secure. friend.
- The longer the password, the more difficult it is to guess
The length of the password is the most significant element. The length of a password increases the difficulty of a brute force password guessing attempt significantly. A seven-character password can be hacked in minutes, whereas a ten-character password might take hundreds of years to break.
- Make use of a mix of letters, numbers, and special characters
Using a variety of characters further complicates brute-force password guessing since hackers must attempt a larger range of choices for each character of the password. Numbers and special characters should be used throughout the password, not simply at the end or as a letter substitute.
- Passwords should be varied
Bots are employed in credential stuffing attacks to see whether credentials acquired from one online account are also used for another. If the same credentials are used, unauthorized access at a small firm may endanger a checking account. For all online accounts, utilize a lengthy, randomized, and distinctive password.
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What Should You Avoid When Creating a Password?
Cybercriminals and password cracker developers are well-versed in all of the “ingenious” password-creation techniques used by the general public. The following are some frequent password blunders to avoid:
Passwords should not be written on the keyboard
If you write your password on or beneath your keyboard, anybody strolling by your computer may see it and get access to a look. It just takes a split second to step away for a cup of coffee. That’s also all it takes for someone to steal the computer entirely, so why make things simpler for them by also providing them the password?
Use different passwords for different sites
If a criminal gets their hands on your email password, for example, they might get access to a slew of other websites, most of which would be identifiable by the messages they send to your email account. Separating your passwords for each site (or at least your most critical sites, such as banking and credit card accounts) improves the protection of your data.
Don’t provide your password through email
If you must share a password with someone you trust, don’t send it to them by email. Not only does Netflix get enraged when you share your account, but you also have no idea what could happen to the individual to whom you send the email. Just because you do your hardest to keep your accounts secure doesn’t imply everyone else does.
Don’t give out your password to anybody else
Don’t trust her with your password if you wouldn’t trust her with your money or vehicle. It’s impossible to know who’s on the other end of that email address or phone number. Anyone who has ever exchanged pleasantries through email with a Nigerian prince requesting a small cash transaction can attest to this.
Don’t utilize terms that are often used
Ordinary words may be simple for you to remember, but they’re also simple for others to guess. Thieves are aware of them, and the instruments they utilize to breach into accounts first attempt these terms. Avoid using terms in your passwords at all costs! You should also avoid utilizing infrequent numbers. Any version of “!23456” is much too simple to figure out. You could attempt to utilize all of the pi’s digits, but that’s also too simple to predict.
Do not utilize your date of birth
Others might easily find out your date of birth via social media or other sites. Why, once again, make thievery easier? In your password, don’t include any numbers that may be readily connected to you. Also, don’t utilize your anniversary date since you’ll forget it.
Utilize no numbers that can be used to identify you
Any number that is readily associated with you should not be utilized in your password. Phone numbers are much too simple to connect to your account, and storing your Social Security number in a database (even one that claims to be safe) is far too risky. Make sure your password doesn’t include any personal information.
Don’t utilize your child’s name in your writing
Any password you make should not include your child’s name. This counsel is applicable to all members of the family, but particularly to youngsters. Especially if you’re one of those parents that utilize a photo of their kid as their Facebook profile picture. How simple is it for a criminal to connect the dots? It’s worth noting that in this scenario, dogs are unquestionably regarded as family members. They have a special place in your heart, but not in your password.
Don’t use a device you don’t trust to input your password
You’ve undoubtedly become used to your home computer or smartphone. Because you’re the only one who utilizes them, your electronic gadgets are always around you. You’ve learned to know them and can personally assure them that they’re secure. Nonetheless, you may almost ensure the security of your own gadgets. You can’t expect the same degree of security from a computer at a hotel business center, a library, or any other public location. A fair rule of thumb is that if you don’t have the authority to install software on a computer, you shouldn’t be inputting essential passwords on it either.
When surfing the Internet on a network you don’t trust, don’t input your password
Please get off that network if you’ve never been on it before and it appears too good to be true. Before doing any critical business over a public network, be sure it’s legitimate. If you’re in a hotel, airport, or even a friend’s residence, check with someone who has authority or expertise before connecting to the network. Even if you utilize a VPN, be sure your traffic is safe and encrypted before making any big choices, such as taking out a mortgage or tweeting a photo of your lunch.
When password hashes are stolen during an attack or disclosed during a data breach, a password cracker is used to recover the original passwords. They achieve this by either taking advantage of people using weak passwords or by trying every password that fits a specified length. There are a variety of uses for password finders, not all of them are bad. Similar to how hackers do it, security teams can employ password cracking to audit the security of their customers’ passwords and determine the risk that weak passwords provide to the company.