brute-force attack

[ broot-fawrs uh-tak ]

/ ˈbrutˈfɔrs əˌtæk /

noun

a computer hacking technique in which every possible combination of characters is tried until the sought-after password or encryption key is found: A malicious hacker may resort to a brute-force attack to gain entry to your account.

Nearby words

brutalism, brutality, brutalize, brute, brute force, brute-force attack, brutify, brutish, brutus, brutus is an honorable man, brux

Origin of brute-force attack

First recorded in 2000–05