Brute Force Attack

A brute force attack is a hacking technique in which cybercriminals rely on trial-and-error attempts to guess passwords and login details. Despite its simplicity, this method is a tactic for breaking into personal accounts and organizational systems.

Imagine someone trying to open a locked door, not with the right key but by trying every single possible key until one works. This is similar to what happens online during a brute force attack.

Brute force is an old but common hacking method that many hackers still use today.

For businesses, if a hacker gains access to the company’s account, they can often access private company data, including sensitive customer or employee information. Once inside, the hacker can cause even more harm. Since the messages will appear to come from a trusted source, the hacker can send fake messages (phishing) to trick people into sharing personal details, install harmful software (malware) that damages systems, or use ransomware to lock important files and demand money to unlock them.

When this happens to an organization, the damage can be huge. The company may lose important data, money, and the trust of its customers.

There are different types of brute force attacks hackers often use to get access to private accounts. Here are some of the most common ways they attack accounts to steal personal data:

1. Brute Force Attack: This method involves trying every combination of letters, numbers, and symbols until the right password is found. It’s a slow method, but it works for short or weak passwords.

2. Credential Stuffing: Hackers steal usernames and passwords from one website and try them on other websites. This method often works because users tend to reuse the same password for different accounts, which gives the attacker easier access to other accounts.

3. Reverse Brute Force Attack: In this type of attack, hackers start with a known password and then search for usernames that match it. This method works well when people use common or simple passwords.

4. Dictionary Attack: Instead of guessing every possible password, hackers use a list of common words or passwords people often use. It’s faster and focuses on likely options.

5. Hybrid Attack: This method combines a dictionary attack and brute force. Hackers begin with common passwords and then modify them by adding numbers or symbols to try more combinations.

Cybercriminals use brute force attacks to gain unauthorized access to accounts, and they succeed because victims unknowingly make it easier for them by neglecting basic security measures or failing to secure their profiles properly. However, users can reduce the risk and protect their accounts by taking certain precautionary steps below: 

• Increase Password Strength

One of the most important steps users should prioritize is strengthening their passwords. Unfortunately, many people overlook this need and continue to use weak passwords. For example, a password like "John1234" is very weak and can easily be guessed by cybercriminals. This is because new and old users commonly use such simple patterns and can be quickly cracked using a method called a dictionary attack.

To prevent this, always use a strong password that is at least eight characters long and includes a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. A strong password makes it harder for hackers to access your account.

• Avoid Reusing Passwords Across Multiple Accounts
  

A common mistake users make when creating accounts is reusing the same password across multiple platforms. Many justify this with reasons like, "I’m tired of creating different passwords," or "I won’t remember all the passwords I have made, so I use one for everything." While this might seem convenient, it poses a high risk. If one account is hacked, all other accounts using the same password also become vulnerable.

To prevent this, avoid using the same password for all your accounts, especially those containing sensitive information or financial accounts. Instead, create different passwords for each account and store them securely in a place only you can access, such as a password manager.

• Implement a Feature to Limit Login Attempts

This step is particularly important for businesses that handle users' data. Implementing a policy or feature that locks a user’s account after several failed login attempts can help prevent credentials from being guessed through brute force attacks.

• Use Multi-factor authentication (MFA)

Adding multi-factor authentication (MFA) might feel like a time-consuming process, but it is one of the most simple ways to improve your account security. MFA adds an extra layer of protection by requiring an additional form of authentication beyond just a password. This could include a PIN, a code sent to your phone, a biometric scan, or a security token. By enabling MFA, you make it harder for unauthorized users to access your accounts, even if they have your password.

Lastly, to fight brute force attacks, every user must play an important role by taking a proactive steps in securing their accounts by following the preventive measures listed and regularly monitoring your accounts, you can make it harder for cybercriminals to succeed. Remember, the stronger your defenses, the less likely attackers will be able to manipulate your accounts and steal valuable data.