A dictionary attack is a systematic method of guessing a password by trying many common words and their simple variations. Attackers use extensive lists of the most commonly used passwords, popular pet names, fictional characters, or literally just words from a dictionary – hence the name of the attack.
A systematic approach to cracking passwords is at the heart of a dictionary attack. Hackers compile extensive lists of commonly used words, phrases, and number combinations, which they then systematically test against the target's login credentials. This approach is predicated on the observation that many individuals opt for easily memorable passwords, often drawing from personal details, pop-culture references, or readily available information.
Read more: Common password attacks and how to avoid them
Dictionary attacks are efficient because they streamline the password-cracking process. Unlike brute-force attacks, which involve exhaustively testing every possible combination of characters, dictionary attacks use pre-existing lists of likely passwords. This targeted approach greatly reduces the time and computational resources required to breach an account, making it a favored tactic among cybercriminals.
Read also: What is a brute force attack?
The scope of dictionary attacks extends far beyond individual targets. Hackers often employ these techniques in a broad, indiscriminate manner, hoping that at least one of the passwords on their list will prove successful. However, in cases where the attacker has specific knowledge about the target, they may tailor their password list to include words and phrases more relevant to the individual or organization in question.
The consequences of a successful dictionary attack can be far-reaching and devastating. Gaining access to an individual's online accounts can enable hackers to perpetrate a wide range of malicious activities, from financial fraud and identity theft to the distribution of malware and the hijacking of social media profiles. The implications of these attacks can be both personal and professional, with the potential to cause emotional distress, financial loss, and reputational damage.
Related: What is malware?
Combating the threat of dictionary attacks requires a multi-faceted approach, involving both individual and organizational efforts:
Password managers have emerged as a powerful tool in the fight against dictionary attacks. These applications not only generate and store complex, unique passwords for each online account but also shield users from the temptation to reuse or create easily guessable credentials. By automating the password management process, password managers help individuals maintain security practices without the burden of memorizing numerous unique passwords.
Two-factor authentication (2FA) is another component in the arsenal against dictionary attacks. By requiring users to provide an additional form of verification, such as a one-time code or biometric data, 2FA increases the difficulty for hackers to gain unauthorized access, even if they have successfully cracked a password.
Empowering individuals with knowledge and fostering a culture of cybersecurity awareness is paramount in the battle against dictionary attacks. By educating users on the mechanics of these threats and the need for implementing security measures, organizations can equip their workforce with the necessary tools and mindset to safeguard their digital assets.
Cybersecurity professionals help defend against dictionary attacks. By continuously monitoring for suspicious login attempts, analyzing network traffic patterns, and implementing stringent security protocols, these experts can detect and mitigate potential dictionary attacks before they can cause much damage.
In the healthcare sector, organizations frequently adopt password policies in line with NIST guidelines to fulfill both HIPAA requirements and industry-standard security practices. Passwords serve as the frontline defense against cyber threats, safeguarding personal information, organizational assets, and infrastructure. Adhering to the NIST SP 800-63-3 guidelines strengthens information security infrastructure.
Renowned for their thorough and research-supported approach, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) password guidelines enjoy widespread adoption in cybersecurity circles. Their usefulness lies in offering a contemporary framework for bolstering authentication mechanism security.
The recent cyberattack on Change Healthcare, a subsidiary of UnitedHealth Group, reminds us of the healthcare industry's need for password protection measures. CEO Andrew Witty revealed that the breach occurred due to the absence of multifactor authentication (MFA) on a particular server, enabling hackers to deploy ransomware and compromise sensitive medical records.
Despite UnitedHealth's payment of a $22 million ransom, the breach has incurred massive financial losses, with costs nearing $900 million. This incident proves the urgent need for healthcare organizations to prioritize password security by implementing MFA and other advanced authentication protocols to safeguard patient information and mitigate the escalating threat of ransomware attacks.
Covered entities and business associates can employ a password manager equipped with Health Check features that conduct comparable scans while notifying users about any vulnerable, reused, or compromised passwords.
A 12-character password is highly safe because it is nearly impossible to guess for a person and is considered the best safeguard against threat actors. Combining lowercase letters, uppercase letters, numbers, and symbols will make it much better for you.
No. NIST recommends resetting passwords only when necessary. While many organizations traditionally enforce a NIST password policy where passwords expire every 60 to 90 days, NIST diverges from this approach. NIST does not recommend password expiration as a general practice.
Learn more: HIPAA Compliant Email: The Definitive Guide