This article was originally published in January 2023, but has been updated with some additional information, following further ransomware attacks on schools in the UK. Highly confidential documents from 14 schools in the UK have been leaked online by hackers. The Vice Society has been behind a high-profile string of attacks on schools across the UK and the USA in recent months.
Malicious threat actors (hackers) are always developing new techniques to breach passwords. This article lists the different types of password attacks and some defences/counter-measures which can be used to enhance password security. In our experience, hackers are most successful at accessing school systems unlawfully using these methods. Passwords continue to be a primary target for cyber criminals seeking unauthorised access to accounts.
Password security is a