brute-force attack: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Technical (Computing, Cybersecurity); understood metaphorically in general contexts.
Quick answer
What does “brute-force attack” mean?
A method of gaining unauthorised access to a system or data by trying all possible combinations of inputs (like passwords or encryption keys) until the correct one is found, relying on computational power rather than cleverness.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A method of gaining unauthorised access to a system or data by trying all possible combinations of inputs (like passwords or encryption keys) until the correct one is found, relying on computational power rather than cleverness.
In computing and cybersecurity, any attempt to solve a problem or bypass a security measure through exhaustive trial-and-error, characterised by its lack of sophistication and high resource consumption. Can metaphorically describe any effort relying solely on sheer effort rather than strategy.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Spelling follows local conventions (e.g., 'unauthorised' vs. 'unauthorized' in surrounding text). The hyphenated compound noun form is slightly more prevalent in British technical writing.
Connotations
Identical in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally common in both technical communities due to the global nature of cybersecurity terminology.
Grammar
How to Use “brute-force attack” in a Sentence
[system/account] was compromised by a brute-force attack.The attackers brute-forced [the password/encryption key].They launched a brute-force attack against [the server/login portal].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “brute-force attack” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The script is designed to brute-force the encryption key.
- They spent hours brute-forcing the router's admin panel.
American English
- The tool can brute force the login credentials in minutes.
- Hackers brute forced the database by trying common password lists.
adverb
British English
- The problem was solved brute-force.
- He approached the clue brute-force, checking every possible reference.
American English
- We had to find the answer brute force.
- The system was compromised brute-force, not through a software flaw.
adjective
British English
- Brute-force methods are often a last resort.
- They adopted a brute-force cracking strategy.
American English
- A brute-force approach solved the puzzle, but it was slow.
- Brute force cracking requires significant computing power.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In IT security reports: 'The breach was attributed to a simple brute-force attack on weak employee passwords.'
Academic
In computer science papers: 'The algorithm's security rests on the computational infeasibility of a brute-force attack.'
Everyday
Metaphorical: 'I couldn't remember the PIN, so I just used brute force and tried every number.'
Technical
In penetration testing: 'We employed a rainbow table to expedite the process, moving beyond a pure brute-force approach.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “brute-force attack”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “brute-force attack”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “brute-force attack”
- Incorrectly using 'brute-force' as a verb without conjugating (e.g., 'They brute-force the password' should be 'They brute-forced...').
- Misspelling as 'bruteforce' (should be hyphenated or two words).
- Confusing with 'Denial-of-Service attack' (DoS), which aims to overwhelm, not guess.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Its success depends on the strength of the key/password (complexity, length) and the available computational resources and time. Strong credentials can render it infeasible.
Using long, complex, and unique passwords/passphrases, combined with account lockout policies after a few failed attempts and rate-limiting login requests.
A brute-force attack tries *all* possible combinations. A dictionary attack tries only a pre-compiled list of likely passwords (common words, phrases), making it faster but less exhaustive.
Yes, metaphorically. It can describe solving any problem through sheer effort or trial-and-error rather than intelligence or strategy (e.g., 'We brute-forced the solution by testing every single component').
A method of gaining unauthorised access to a system or data by trying all possible combinations of inputs (like passwords or encryption keys) until the correct one is found, relying on computational power rather than cleverness.
Brute-force attack is usually technical (computing, cybersecurity); understood metaphorically in general contexts. in register.
Brute-force attack: in British English it is pronounced /ˌbruːt ˈfɔːs əˌtæk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌbruːt ˈfɔːrs əˌtæk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Using a sledgehammer to crack a nut (metaphorically similar in concept).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'brute' (a strong, rough person) trying to 'force' a door open by trying every key on a giant keyring until one fits. No finesse, just raw power.
Conceptual Metaphor
SECURITY IS A LOCK; CRACKING SECURITY IS FORCING OPEN A LOCK.
Practice
Quiz
Which characteristic is MOST typical of a brute-force attack?