Ethical Hacking Essentials Practice Test

What method involves generating a list of passwords based on statistical analyses of password choices?

1. Brute-force attack

2. Dictionary attack

3. Masquerading

4. Sniffing

The correct answer is: Dictionary attack

The method that involves generating a list of passwords based on statistical analyses of password choices is a dictionary attack. In this approach, attackers leverage common password patterns, commonly used passwords, and variations derived from actual user behavior. Statistical analyses help in understanding which passwords are frequently chosen by users, making it simpler to guess these credentials when attempting unauthorized access. This method is more sophisticated than a brute-force attack, which tries every possible combination of characters without regard for the likelihood of their occurrence. The dictionary attack is also distinct from masquerading, which involves pretending to be a trusted entity to gain access, and sniffing, which refers to intercepting packets of data over a network. By understanding the commonalities and trends in password selection, attackers can increase their chances of successfully breaching an account through this targeted approach.