What technique does a Brute Force Attack use to gain access?

Study for the OCR GCSE Computer Science Exam. Prepare with flashcards, multiple choice questions, and hints. Get exam-ready with practical questions and answers!

A Brute Force Attack uses the technique of trial and error to gain access to a system or account. This method involves systematically attempting every possible combination of passwords or encryption keys until the correct one is found. The effectiveness of a brute force attack relies heavily on the computational power available and the strength of the password or encryption being targeted.

Trial and error is fundamental to this approach, as the attacker leverages automated tools to generate and test combinations rapidly. This technique does not require knowledge of the target's personal information or tactics like deception, which differentiates it from methods such as social engineering or spear phishing, which rely on manipulating human behavior. Additionally, keylogging, while a method of capturing information, is distinct from the brute force technique, focusing instead on recording keystrokes rather than attempting to guess them. Thus, the nature of a brute force attack is inherently rooted in trial and error.

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