1.) (Portfolio) A password scheme consists of a minimum password length and the different types of symbols (i.e., letters, numbers, specials) that can be used in the password. Using the Password Strength Calculator, determine the optimal scheme for withstanding a brute force attack of at least 10 years by an ordinary PC performing 100 million tests per second.
You would need to use at least 8 symbols. It would have to include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters to be able to withstand an attack for 10 years.
(POGIL) According to this 2012 article, a password-cracking computer can try 350 billion passwords per second. How would you have to modify your scheme to withstand a 10-year attack by this specially designed computer?
Answer
You should use 9 symbols that include uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols. Depending on the amount of numbers and symbols, it could be virtually unable to be attacked and infiltrated.
(POGIL) That article was written in 2012. Password cracking technology has probably gotten a lot better. Suppose the number of passwords that can be checked per second doubles every year, use the Password Strength Calculator to determine an optimal password scheme for the year 2020?
Answer
You would need at least 12 letters using both upper and lowercase, along with numbers and special symbols. It could possibly be able to withstand an attack for longer depending on the amount of numbers and special symbols.