Hackers Beware

Chapter 9. Microsoft NT Password Crackers

As Chapter 8, “Password Security” illustrates, there are several ways to crack a password. The most important thing to remember is that all passwords can be cracked; it is just a matter of time. The length of time it takes to crack a password changes as computers get faster and cheaper. A password that took over 50 years to crack 10 years ago can be cracked now in less than a week. This is because current desktop computers rival the high-end servers of only 5 years ago.

Although all passwords can be cracked, this chapter demonstrates how Microsoft, in its implementation of passwords in Microsoft NT ...