Ethical Hacking Essentials Practice Test

Which condition can possibly expose a system to password cracking attacks?

1. Frequent password changes

2. Use of multi-factor authentication

3. Storing passwords in a secured location

4. Storing passwords in an unsecured location

The correct answer is: Storing passwords in an unsecured location

The condition that can possibly expose a system to password cracking attacks is the storage of passwords in an unsecured location. When passwords are not securely stored, they can be easily accessed by unauthorized individuals, allowing attackers to retrieve and exploit them. This vulnerability is particularly concerning if the stored passwords are in plain text or in a format that can be easily decrypted, enabling attackers to use various techniques to crack these passwords. In contrast, frequent password changes can help mitigate the risk of long-term exposure to compromised passwords. The use of multi-factor authentication adds an additional layer of security, making it much harder for attackers to gain access even if they manage to obtain a password. Storing passwords in a secured location, such as an encrypted database or a password manager, further protects against unauthorized access and minimizes the likelihood of successful password cracking attempts.