In cryptanalysis and computer security, password cracking is the process of recovering passwords from data that have been stored in or transmitted by a computer system. A common approach $($brute$-$force attack$)$ is to repeatedly try guesses for the password. The purpose of password cracking might be to help a user recover a forgotten password $($though installing an entirely new password is less of a security risk, but involves System Administration privileges$),$ to gain unauthorized access to a system, or as a preventive measure by System Administrators to check for easily crackable passwords. On a file$-$by$-$file basis, password cracking is utilized to gain access to digital evidence for which a judge has allowed access but the particular file's access is restricted.

Purpose

John the Ripper $($JtR$)$ is a well$-$known password auditing program. Use JtR to crack sample passwords provided in the project.

Directions

Read and execute the instructions for Hands$-$on Project $1$ starting on page $274.$

Write a paper describing your experience and project results. Describe challenges you encountered.

Paste the screenshots into your paper. For each screenshot, describe in DETAIL what is taking place.

Save and upload your assignment file here to Canvas.