how to HACK a password // password cracking with Kali Linux and HashCat

Introduction

In this tutorial, you will learn how to perform password cracking using tools like Hydra and HashCat on Kali Linux. Understanding these techniques is essential for ethical hacking and cybersecurity training, as they help you identify vulnerabilities and improve security measures.

Step 1: Brute-Force Password Hacking

Brute-force attacks systematically try every possible combination of characters to crack passwords.

1. Open your terminal in Kali Linux.
2. Use a brute-force tool:
   • Hydra is a popular choice for brute-force attacks.
3. Command structure:
   • The basic syntax for using Hydra is:

     hydra -l [username] -P [password_list] [protocol]://[target_ip]
     

   • Replace [username], [password_list], [protocol], and [target_ip] with your target details.
4. Practical Tip:
   • Use a realistic password list to improve your chances of success. You can find common passwords online or create your own.

Step 2: Hacking with Hydra

Hydra is a powerful tool for cracking passwords over various protocols.

1. Install Hydra if not already present:

   sudo apt-get install hydra
   

2. Select the appropriate protocol:
   • Hydra supports various protocols such as FTP, SSH, HTTP, etc.
3. Run Hydra with the selected protocol:
   • Example for SSH:

     hydra -l [username] -P [password_list] ssh://[target_ip]
     

Step 3: Understanding Password Hashing

Before cracking passwords, it is crucial to understand how they are stored securely.

1. What is Password Hashing?
   • Hashing is a one-way function that transforms a password into a fixed-size string of characters, which is not reversible.
2. Common Hashing Algorithms:
   • Examples include MD5, SHA-1, and bcrypt.
3. Importance:
   • Knowing the hashing method can help you choose the right cracking technique.

Step 4: Cracking Passwords with HashCat

HashCat is a versatile and high-performance password recovery tool.

1. Install HashCat:

   sudo apt-get install hashcat
   

2. Prepare the hash:
   • Export the hashed password you want to crack.
3. Identify the hash type:
   • Use HashCat's built-in command to determine the hash type:

     hashcat --example-hashes
     

4. Run HashCat:
   • Basic syntax for running HashCat:

     hashcat -m [hash_type] -a 0 [path_to_hash_file] [path_to_wordlist]
     

   • Replace [hash_type], [path_to_hash_file], and [path_to_wordlist] with the respective values.

Step 5: Participate in the Password Hacking Challenge

Put your skills to the test by engaging in the password hacking challenge offered by NetworkChuck.

1. Visit the challenge website:
   • Access the challenge at NetworkChuck Password Hacking Challenge.
2. Follow the instructions:
   • Complete tasks to enhance your skills and learn from practical scenarios.

Conclusion

You have now learned essential techniques for password cracking using Hydra and HashCat. Remember to apply these tools ethically and responsibly. As you continue your journey in ethical hacking, consider further training and resources to deepen your knowledge. Happy hacking!