Recent research conducted by Specops Software has discovered that it takes modern attackers a considerably short amount of time to brute force their way through user passwords. While plain text password storage is rare in the modern world, attackers still have to rely on password cracking methods to gain access through the majority of hashed password leaks. As newer password-cracking hardware and software are introduced, the time it takes to crack passwords is decreasing, putting user data at risk from cybercriminals.
Darren James, Senior Product Manager at Specops Software, commented on the results by suggesting that “the recent headline-making news of the possibilities of AI have some security researchers and IT teams wondering what this technology means for password security. We’ve long known that passwords are vulnerable to brute force cracking attempts. Recent advancements in automation and hardware have made these attacks all the more accessible for today’s cybercriminals.”
The findings have resulted in a breakdown of the time it takes for passwords to be cracked. For a password to be considered strong enough to take a substantial length of time to crack, it must contain numbers, letters, symbols, both lower and upper case, and be at least 10 characters long. Following this methodology, it would take hackers three years to crack such a password. However, if the password is 11 characters long and follows the same creation method, it would take 279 years to crack, making it an incredibly secure password.
On the other hand, if a password is only eight characters long and only contains numbers, it can be broken ‘instantly.’ It is also worth noting that if users are using a password that has already been compromised, they could be facing a significant security risk. Security experts continuously advocate against password reuse, no matter how long or complex the original password was.
Specops Software’s research underlines the importance of prioritizing strong passwords as a security precaution, and it is a reminder that people need to bear this in mind when creating passwords for their online accounts. By creating and maintaining strong passwords, users can considerably reduce the risk of their data being compromised by hackers.
The study’s findings highlight the need for increased efforts to educate people on the importance of password security. Many individuals remain vulnerable to cyberattacks due to their lack of knowledge regarding security best practices. However, by following industry-standard password creation techniques, people can strengthen their digital security and protect themselves from cyber threats.
It is clear from the research that cybercriminals are continuously becoming more adept and equipped with new technology to crack passwords, and that strong passwords are crucial in protecting user data. It is essential for individuals and organizations alike to take proactive measures in ensuring that the data they store is secure from hackers by implementing robust password policies and keeping end-users informed of best practices.
In conclusion, users must take the creation of strong passwords seriously, and businesses must take the necessary precautions to help their clientele keep their data secure. The future of cybersecurity is continually evolving, and staying ahead of the curve is key to avoiding the devastating financial and reputational consequences that data breaches often bring.