Password Guessing

(idea) by General Wesc Tue Apr 24 2001 at 18:48:16
A bad thing, usually.

Unless you're trying to get into the account of somebody semi-computer-literate, try their username as the password. If that doesn't work, try "password" or their real name. (Usually just their first name and usually all lower-case.)

If that doesn't work, move on to a script that will check all dictionary words, then a brute-force attack.

Many people aren't good at picking passwords and you could very well get in. So don't even try guessing. Privacy is a Good Thing. Protect it.

My favourite excerpt from a password cracking FAQ:

What about login password in Windows 95?
Have you tried to press "Cancel"?

Y'know, if you log in, you can write something here, or contact authors directly on the site. Create a New User if you don't already have an account.