What characterizes a brute force attack?

A brute force attack is characterized by systematically guessing passwords or encryption keys until the correct one is found. This method does not rely on any specific weaknesses in the security system but rather tests multiple combinations until success is achieved. This attacks can be automated, allowing attackers to try thousands or millions of combinations in a relatively short period.

Understanding this method is crucial, as it highlights the importance of using strong, complex passwords that are not easily guessable, which can significantly mitigate the risk of unauthorized access. The systematic nature of this attack underscores why organizations implement policies such as account lockout mechanisms after a certain number of failed attempts, further enhancing security against such threats.