Passwords have become the backbone of our online security. To protect our personal and confidential information, we create passwords with complex combinations of letters, numbers, and symbols. Now hackers are taking advantage of AI technology to help them crack those passwords more quickly and easily.
Here are four different ways hackers are using AI to unlock passwords.
1. Automating spear phishing attacks – Spear phishing attacks are now more targeted and successful through the use of AI. Hackers use AI algorithms to create convincing phishing emails that appear genuine, tricking people into clicking on malicious links or downloading malware. AI enhances the accuracy of the phishing email, personalizing it based on the recipient’s behavioral data found online. With this, hackers can create tens of thousands of emails in minutes, increasing the chances of success in a phishing attack.
2. Analyzing and deriving insights from data – AI algorithms are great tools for analyzing large datasets. Hackers can use these tools to identify trends and vulnerabilities in password data systems, helping them crack passwords more efficiently. AI tools can learn from past data breaches where password data was exposed, thereby developing accurate attack patterns. With this information, hackers increase their chances of success in cracking the target’s password.
3. Leveraging brute force attacks – Brute force attacks involve attempting to guess all possible combinations of a password. These attacks are time-consuming and require vast resources, so hackers have turned to AI for help. AI-powered brute-force attacks can be automated, and they can attempt billions of attempts within seconds. In addition, AI algorithms can learn from previous passwords, attempting variations that attackers might commonly use in passwords. This technology makes it easier for hackers to bypass password protection and gain unauthorized access.
4. Using dictionary attacks – Dictionary attacks involve testing every potential word in a pre-set dictionary or wordlist, hoping to find a match as the password. AI-powered tools come equipped with vast dictionaries and can go through them in a matter of minutes, increasing the chances of success in cracking a password. Furthermore, AI algorithms can use machine learning to flag words that have an increased likelihood of being part of a password’s composition. As a result, hackers can successfully crack passwords, which might not otherwise have been detected using brute-force or spear phishing exploits.
We are at the dawn of an AI-powered hacking era. Hackers are becoming smarter at executing their malicious attacks, making it important for businesses, individuals, and governments to invest continually in security protocols. Keeping our digital information safe depends on understanding how AI is being used by attackers and employing best practices to safeguard against AI-powered threats.
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The Swenson Group (TSG) is an award-winning Bay Area Managed Service Provider that has helped thousands of organizations achieve more by leveraging cost effective technologies to be more productive, secure and cost effective. Services include Managed Print, Document Management, IT Services and VoIP. Products include MFPs, Copiers, Printers and Production Systems, Software and Solution Apps. For the latest industry trends and technology insights visit TSG’s main Blog page.
