Cracking passwords
In this section, we will learn how to crack password-protected files using a password database. We will try to crack a ZIP file in this section. A ZIP file is a binary format that stores files in compressed format and can be password protected. We will carry out a dictionary attack. Let's first learn what a dictionary attack is!
A dictionary attack is an attack in which a hacker tries to guess the victim's password by using a set of predefined passwords. They usually have a very large database of passwords stored in a file and try to use one of the passwords to see if the victim's password matches the password list. This password list is usually obtained from a leak of passwords from a compromised website and other forums. This is why you should never reuse a password for one website more than once. If you use the same password for a website and the website gets compromised, chances are that all your passwords could be compromised.
You can find...