Source URL: https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/blog-post/three-random-words-or-thinkrandom-0
Source: NCSC Feed
Title: Three random words or #thinkrandom
Feedly Summary: Ian M discusses what makes a good password
AI Summary and Description: Yes
Summary: The provided text discusses password security, specifically the process of hashing passwords to protect them from unauthorized access. It highlights the methods cybercriminals might use to compromise hashed passwords, including dictionary and brute-force attacks, as well as the importance of using long, complex passwords for enhanced security.
Detailed Description:
The text outlines critical concepts related to password management and protection, which are essential for professionals in information security and related fields. Here are the key points:
* **Password Storage**:
– Passwords are not stored in their readable form; instead, they are processed through a hashing function.
– Hashing transforms the readable password into a non-readable format (hash), which is what the website stores.
* **Hashing Security**:
– The hash function is designed to be one-way, making it extremely difficult to reverse-engineer the original password from the hash.
– When a user enters their password during login, it is rehashed, and the new hash is compared to the stored hash for authentication.
* **Attack Vectors**:
– **Dictionary Attacks**: These involve using lists of common passwords or variations thereof (like replacing letters with numbers) to find a match with the stored hash.
– **Brute Force Attacks**: This method involves trying every possible combination of characters until the correct password is discovered.
* **Recommendations for Users**:
– Using long, random passwords with a mix of letters, numbers, and special characters significantly increases resistance against both dictionary and brute-force attacks.
* **Practical Implications**:
– Users and administrators should ensure strong password policies and education around password safety.
– Implementing multi-factor authentication can further enhance security measures beyond just password hashing.
This information is vital for professionals tasked with protecting sensitive data and maintaining the integrity of user authentication mechanisms in various systems.