What is a brute-force attack 

A brute-force attack is a method used to gain unauthorized access by systematically trying all possible combinations of passwords, encryption keys, or other credentials until the correct one is found. Key aspects include:

1. **Exhaustive Search:** Involves trying every possible combination of characters or keys until the correct one is discovered.

2. **Time-Consuming:** Can be very slow, especially as the complexity and length of the password or key increase, due to the large number of potential combinations.

3. **Application:** Used against passwords, encryption keys, or other security mechanisms where the attacker does not have any knowledge of the correct value.

4. **Countermeasures:** Protection measures include using strong, complex passwords, implementing account lockouts, and utilizing multi-factor authentication to mitigate the risk of successful brute-force attacks.

Brute-force attacks are effective but computationally intensive, and they rely on the attacker’s ability to manage and process a large volume of possible combinations.