AI has brought about significant changes in our lives through various innovative solutions such as Bing Chat and Bard. Nonetheless, with immense power, comes a tremendous responsibility, and it is crucial that we acknowledge the negative implications of this technology. One worrying aspect of AI is its potential misuse for password cracking, as highlighted by a recent study conducted by cybersecurity firm Home Security Heroes. The study revealed the alarming speed at which AI can crack passwords.
A study conducted by Home Security Heroes has shed light on the world of AI-powered password cracking, specifically examining a tool called PassGAN (password generative adversarial network). The researchers utilized PassGAN to scrutinize a list of more than 15 million passwords, uncovering some astonishing revelations.
The study highlights that a staggering 51% of commonly used passwords can be cracked in less than a minute, with 65% being cracked within an hour, 71% within a day, and 81% in under a month. The study further reveals that six-character passwords and below are highly vulnerable to cracking. To be safe from tools such as PassGAN, the study recommends using passwords with a minimum of 18 characters, containing a mix of numbers, letters, and symbols, and can take at least ten months to crack.
However, this level of security may not last long, given the rapid advancement of AI technology. To protect your online accounts from password cracking tools, Home Security Heroes suggests using a minimum of 15-character passwords, incorporating letters, numbers, and symbols, avoiding predictable patterns, and regularly changing passwords. It is also crucial to avoid using the same password across multiple accounts.
While maintaining robust passwords can be challenging, it’s a small price to pay for protecting your data. A password manager can help remember complex passwords. It’s essential to stay vigilant and ensure the security of your online accounts as AI technology progresses.
