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Password guessing without AI: How attackers build targeted wordlists

sourceBleeping Computer
calendar_todayFebruary 9, 2026
schedule1 min read
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Cracking Passwords: Attackers Use Public Language, Not AI

Summary

The article discusses how attackers can effectively guess passwords by creating targeted wordlists using an organization's public language, without relying on AI. Tools like CeWL are used to extract potential passwords from websites, highlighting the limitations of relying solely on complexity rules.

Key Points

  • Attackers build targeted wordlists from an organization's public language to guess passwords.
  • Tools such as CeWL can scrape websites to generate high-success password guesses.
  • The approach does not rely on AI, making it accessible to a wider range of attackers.
  • Complexity rules alone are insufficient to protect against this method of password guessing.

Analysis

This method of password guessing underscores the importance of understanding the limitations of traditional password policies. By leveraging publicly available information, attackers can bypass complexity rules that many organizations rely on for security. This highlights the need for a more comprehensive approach to password security, including the use of multi-factor authentication and regular password updates.

Conclusion

IT professionals should consider implementing multi-factor authentication and educating users about the risks of using easily guessable passwords. Regularly updating password policies to address new threat vectors is also crucial.