AI Advances Accelerate Password Cracking, Experts Warn
Recent breakthroughs in artificial intelligence are making it easier than ever for hackers to crack passwords, raising fresh concerns about digital security. Researchers have demonstrated that AI algorithms can now accurately guess passwords by analyzing the sound of keystrokes during Zoom calls, achieving over 90% accuracy in some tests. This new capability, combined with AI-driven tools capable of running millions of guess attempts in minutes, is rendering weak passwords increasingly vulnerable.
Traditionally, simple and reused passwords have been the bane of cybersecurity, contributing to approximately 80% of data breaches. The reliance on human-generated passwords—often based on predictable information such as birthdays or pet names—has long been seen as a critical weak link. However, the rapid evolution of AI now turbocharges attackers’ ability to exploit these vulnerabilities. Tools like PassGAN can reportedly crack over half of common passwords in less than a minute, according to industry sources.
The urgency of the situation has prompted tech companies to explore alternative authentication methods. Passwordless solutions, including passkeys, biometrics, and hardware tokens, are emerging as robust defenses against AI-powered intrusions. Passkeys, which utilize cryptographic key pairs linked to user devices, offer a significant security upgrade by eliminating the need for static passwords. Major players such as Apple, Google, and Microsoft are already incorporating these technologies into their platforms.
Cybersecurity experts advise users to adopt a multi-layered approach to protect their digital lives. Recommendations include using password managers to generate complex, unique passwords for each account, enabling multi-factor authentication (MFA), and transitioning to advanced authentication methods wherever available. Additionally, users are urged to minimize personal information shared online and remain vigilant against sophisticated phishing attempts.
As AI continues to reshape the landscape of cyber threats, both consumers and businesses are encouraged to update their security protocols to defend against a new era of digital risks.
Photo Credit: DepositPhotos.com