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Which type of attack involves an attacker using a powerful computer to try a large number of possible passwords in rapid succession to gain access to a system?

a. Brute force
b. Phishing
c. Pretexting
d. DDoS

User Scordo
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Final answer:

A brute force attack uses powerful computing to attempt numerous password combinations quickly in order to access a system.

Step-by-step explanation:

The type of attack that involves an attacker using a powerful computer to try a large number of possible passwords in rapid succession to gain access to a system is known as a brute force attack. Unlike other methods such as phishing or pretexting, which rely on social engineering to trick users into giving up their credentials, brute force attacks are a direct assault on the password authentication mechanism. A brute force attack uses automated software to generate a large number of consecutive guesses in hopes of eventually hitting the correct combination.

User Renay
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