Hackers pose a severe threat in the ever-expanding digital world, trying to compromise security. Of all the ways that bad actors might break into networks and steal confidential data, one method stands out for its strength and complexity: the rainbow table attack. This covert approach frequently lurks in cyberspace's shadows and presents a significant challenge to cybersecurity experts everywhere.
Overview of Rainbow Table Attack
A password cracking technique known as a "rainbow table attack" uses a unique table, or "rainbow table," to break password hashes stored in a database. Applications usually map passwords utilizing a method known as hashing rather than storing them in plain text. The password that a user supplies while logging in is transformed into a unique sequence of characters called a hash. Next, this hash is compared to the hashes kept on the server. The user gets authenticated and given access to the program if there is a match.
How does Rainbow Table Attack Work?
Rainbow table attacks require that hackers first obtain access to leaked hashes. It's possible that they have access to the Active Directory or that the password database itself needs to be adequately secured. Phishing tactics used by individuals with access to the password database allow others to obtain access. In addition to these methods, hackers may access millions of leaked password hashes on the dark web. The rainbow table is used to assist in mapping the password hashes after they are obtained.
How to Protect Against Rainbow Table Attack?
Follow these methods to protect yourself from rainbow table attacks.
Salting
Salting is a term that typically refers to password hashing. It adds an extra secret value to the input, increasing the length of the original password.
Let’s take an example:
Password + Salt → Salted Hash
Pass + 123 → 871b8387b5ec30aee2462f194261a20dc6b8d09ad832f2143a1d05fa8eea4748
In the above example, we add salt “123” to the password to make it more difficult for attackers to crack passwords using precomputed rainbow tables.
Biometric Authentication
Rainbow table attacks are ineffective against biometric passwords, which validate a user's identity. These passwords are specific to that user and cannot be typed like passwords.
Key elongation
This involves stretching the hashed password, making it even more difficult to crack. The procedure works by adding the salt, certain intermediate functions, and the password itself and then running them through the hashing function again.
Server Monitoring
Modern server security software can automatically neutralize and capture hackers before they can access the password database.
How can InfosecTrain Help?
Rainbow table attacks pose a significant cybersecurity threat by exploiting weaknesses in password hashing to decrypt hashes and access private data. However, these risks can be effectively reduced with proper security training and practices.
InfosecTrain's CompTIA Security+ and CEH Certification Training courses offer a comprehensive program to combat rainbow table attacks and other cybersecurity threats. These training courses cover vulnerability identification, security enhancement, and secure password hashing techniques. You will be prepared to safeguard against unauthorized data access through expert instruction and practical exercises. Strengthen your cybersecurity defenses with InfosecTrain and shield your data from sophisticated attacks.
