What can be achieved by capturing hashed credentials?

What can be achieved by capturing hashed credentials?

• A. Access to encrypted files
• B. Gaining unauthorized access to user accounts
• C. Modifying system security policies
• D. Bypassing network firewalls

Answer: (B)

Capturing hashed credentials allows an attacker to potentially gain unauthorized access to user accounts. When credentials such as passwords are hashed, they are converted into a fixed-size string of characters using a cryptographic hashing algorithm. If an attacker successfully captures these hashed credentials, they can attempt to crack them through various methods, such as brute force attacks or rainbow tables, to retrieve the original password. Once they have the plaintext password, the attacker can use it to log into user accounts, potentially leading to unauthorized access. This access can expose sensitive information, allow for further network infiltration, and lead to a variety of security breaches. While the other options may involve various attack vectors, capturing hashed credentials is particularly aligned with the goal of compromising user accounts. Accessing encrypted files or modifying system security policies typically requires additional permissions that hashed credentials alone do not provide. Bypassing network firewalls often involves different techniques focused on circumventing security controls rather than leveraging captured credential hashes.

Capturing hashed credentials allows an attacker to potentially gain unauthorized access to user accounts. When credentials such as passwords are hashed, they are converted into a fixed-size string of characters using a cryptographic hashing algorithm. If an attacker successfully captures these hashed credentials, they can attempt to crack them through various methods, such as brute force attacks or rainbow tables, to retrieve the original password.

Once they have the plaintext password, the attacker can use it to log into user accounts, potentially leading to unauthorized access. This access can expose sensitive information, allow for further network infiltration, and lead to a variety of security breaches.

While the other options may involve various attack vectors, capturing hashed credentials is particularly aligned with the goal of compromising user accounts. Accessing encrypted files or modifying system security policies typically requires additional permissions that hashed credentials alone do not provide. Bypassing network firewalls often involves different techniques focused on circumventing security controls rather than leveraging captured credential hashes.