in 350 words,You were supposed to pick three password exampl…
in 350 words, You were supposed to pick three password examples, one not secure, one acceptable, and one very secure. Then write a brief description of the passwords you have chosen, indicating why they are secure or not secure. Include references. Do not copy paste.
Answer
Introduction
Passwords play a crucial role in securing digital information and ensuring the privacy of individuals in various online activities. However, the effectiveness of passwords relies on their complexity and uniqueness. This assignment will analyze three password examples by categorizing them as not secure, acceptable, or very secure, based on their characteristics and security vulnerabilities. The chosen passwords will be evaluated in terms of their entropy, length, inclusivity of various character types, and avoidance of common patterns or words.
Not Secure Password Example: “123456”
The password “123456” is a classic example of a not secure password. It consists of a simple sequence of numbers that can be easily guessed or cracked by automated password guessing tools. Attackers can exploit the simplicity by using a brute force attack or dictionary attack. According to the National Cybersecurity Centre (NCSC), password checking tools can guess this password in less than a second (NCSC, 2019). Using such a password would put the user’s accounts and sensitive information at high risk.
Acceptable Password Example: “P@ssw0rd”
The password “P@ssw0rd” can be considered acceptable due to its inclusion of letters, numbers, and symbols, increasing its complexity and resistance to dictionary-based attacks. However, it still possesses some vulnerabilities. Although it meets the minimum requirements of using a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, as well as special characters, it is still a frequently used and easily guessable password. Attackers can exploit common patterns, such as replacing “a” with “@” or “o” with “0”. Furthermore, because it is a generic word followed by a predictable pattern, it is still susceptible to dictionary attacks.
Very Secure Password Example: “T5p!S7*^4Rqz”
The password “T5p!S7*^4Rqz” is an example of a very secure password. It exhibits a high level of entropy, which refers to the randomness and unpredictability of characters within the password. The password contains a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. It also has a long length, which increases its resistance to brute force attacks. Additionally, it avoids common patterns and does not use recognizable words or easily guessable combinations. The use of a mixture of characters in different positions further strengthens its security against both automated and human-based attacks. Therefore, this password provides a significantly higher level of protection for the user’s online accounts and information.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the examples provided demonstrate the significance of selecting strong passwords to uphold cybersecurity. The not secure password “123456” and the acceptable password “P@ssw0rd” both possess security vulnerabilities due to their predictability and common usage. Conversely, the very secure password “T5p!S7*^4Rqz” exhibits a high level of complexity, randomness, and uniqueness, making it highly resistant to various password cracking techniques. It is crucial to select secure passwords that withstand automated attacks and employ a mix of characters, avoiding common patterns or recognizable words. By using passwords with high entropy, users can mitigate the risks of unauthorized access and protect their digital assets.