a program used by hackers that generates a continuous sequence of passwords until it finds the one that works
A software program containing whole dictionaries that tries to match user passwords.
A tool to decrypt a password or password file. The term can be used both for programs that take an algorithmic approach to cracking, as well as those that use brute force with a password cracking word list. Password crackers have legitimate uses by security administrators, who want to find weak passwords in order to change them and improve system security.
A tool to decrypt a password or password file. Password crackers have legitimate uses by security administrators, who want to find weak passwords in order to change them and improve system security, but can be used maliciously.
Software designed to enable a user or administrator to recover lost or forgotten passwords from accounts or data files. In the hands of an attacker, these tools open access to confidential information, so they can be a security and privacy threat.