Question

An __________________ attack employs brute-force methods to compromise, degrade, or destroy systems, networks, or services - for example, a DDoS attack intended to impair or deny access to a service or application or a brute-force attack against an authentication mechanism.

Answer 1

A cyber attack employing brute-force methods to disrupt systems is called a DDoS or brute-force attack. Such attacks can deny service access or break into authentication mechanisms and are often used by governments and militant groups in cyber warfare.

Step-by-step explanation:

An attack of the nature described in the student's question is a cyber attack, specifically referring to efforts where hackers employ brute-force methods to compromise, degrade, or destroy systems, networks, or services. One common example is a Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack, which aims to overwhelm a service with more traffic than it can handle, effectively making it unavailable to its intended users. Another example involves brute-force attacks against authentication mechanisms, where attackers attempt to decode encrypted data or break into user accounts by systematically checking all possible passwords until the correct one is found.

Hackers utilize various methods to breach defenses, including luring individuals to malicious websites or phishing to obtain personal information. Governments and militant groups have taken to weaponizing cyberspace, hacking into systems to steal intelligence, disrupt communications, or spread disinformation.