An attacker tries every possible password combination systematically. What attack is this?

The correct answer is B. Brute Force Attack. Brute Force Attack is correct because it describes the systematic, exhaustive trial of every possible character combination until the correct password is found - no shortcuts, no word lists, just raw computation against every permutation. A Dictionary Attack (A) uses a pre-compil

Attacks and Countermeasures

Question

Options

ADictionary Attack
BBrute Force Attack
CHybrid Attack
DRainbow Table Attack

How the community answered

(25 responses)

A
4% (1)
B
88% (22)
C
8% (2)

Explanation

Brute Force Attack is correct because it describes the systematic, exhaustive trial of every possible character combination until the correct password is found - no shortcuts, no word lists, just raw computation against every permutation.

A Dictionary Attack (A) uses a pre-compiled list of common words and passwords, not every possible combination, making it faster but less thorough. A Hybrid Attack (C) combines dictionary words with brute-force mutations (e.g., appending numbers), so it's more targeted than pure brute force. A Rainbow Table Attack (D) uses precomputed hash-to-password mappings to crack hashed passwords, which is a lookup technique, not exhaustive guessing.

Memory tip: Think "brute" = raw strength - like breaking a lock by trying every key ever made, one by one.

Topics

#brute-force#password-attacks#attack-types#credential-compromise

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