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CISSP · Question #851

CISSP Question #851: Real Exam Question with Answer & Explanation

The correct answer is B: use complex passphrases.. A dictionary attack attempts to guess passwords using lists of common words and phrases. Using complex passphrases significantly increases the search space, making such attacks computationally infeasible.

Submitted by marco_it· Mar 5, 2026Identity and Access Management

Question

The BEST method to mitigate the risk of a dictionary attack on a system is to

Options

  • Ause a hardware token.
  • Buse complex passphrases.
  • Cimplement password history.
  • Dencrypt the access control list (ACL).

Explanation

A dictionary attack attempts to guess passwords using lists of common words and phrases. Using complex passphrases significantly increases the search space, making such attacks computationally infeasible.

Common mistakes.

  • A. A hardware token provides multi-factor authentication and reduces the impact of a compromised password, but it does not directly mitigate the dictionary attack against the password itself.
  • C. Password history prevents reuse of old passwords but does nothing to stop an attacker from attempting dictionary-based guesses against a current, potentially weak password.
  • D. Encrypting the ACL protects access control entries from unauthorized viewing or tampering but has no effect on preventing brute-force or dictionary-based password guessing attempts.

Concept tested. Mitigating dictionary attacks with strong passphrases

Reference. https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/active-directory/authentication/concept-password-ban-bad

Topics

#password security#dictionary attack#passphrase#authentication

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