- #31
psnkeras
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psnkeras said:
Sometimes the password expires, and even if you enter the correct password, the computer can't recognize it,jedisrhfu said:
Decrypting files & forgotten password
- Thread starter dahoa
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Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the challenge of decrypting files that were encrypted using Axcrypt 128 encryption software, with the password forgotten. Participants explore potential methods for recovery, the implications of quantum computing on encryption, and strategies for remembering or recovering the password.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory
- Technical explanation
- Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- Some participants suggest that without the password, success in decrypting the files is unlikely due to the security design of the encryption software.
- Others propose strategies for recalling the password, such as considering old personal information or searching for written notes.
- There is speculation about the future capabilities of quantum computers in decrypting 128-bit keys, with some participants questioning how long such a process would take.
- One participant mentions the possibility of using hypnosis to recover the forgotten password.
- Another participant discusses the feasibility of a dictionary attack, suggesting that the number of possible passwords could be reduced based on remembered characteristics of the password.
- Some participants express skepticism about predicting the capabilities of future quantum computers, emphasizing the uncertainty surrounding their potential to crack encryption.
- There are discussions about the longevity of the storage medium (Milleniata M-disc) and its potential to preserve the data until future technology can decrypt it.
- Technical explanations are provided regarding how quantum computers might operate differently from conventional computers in the context of decryption.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants generally do not reach a consensus on the effectiveness of various strategies for recovering the password or the capabilities of future quantum computers. Multiple competing views remain regarding the potential for decryption without the password and the implications of quantum computing.
Contextual Notes
There are limitations in the discussion regarding assumptions about the nature of the password, the effectiveness of various recovery methods, and the speculative nature of future quantum computing capabilities. The discussion also highlights the uncertainty surrounding the time it would take for quantum computers to decrypt a 128-bit key.
- #32
sysprog
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Password expiration is a mechanism typically used in access control systems, almost exclusively for logon/login user passwords. In such systems, password expiration typically means that users are prompted to change their passwords at the first logon/login after a preset interval, such as a year or a month. When they do that, the new password becomes active, and the old one becomes expired.psnkeras said:
That means that if Jim, a user of a system with a one-month password retention policy tells his co-worker Joe his password, so that Joe can use Jim's access profile (in most cases that's a security policy violation), and Joe tries to use Jim's account after Jim has had to change the password, Joe will be stopped by the expiration, unless he's privy to the new password.
In general, a password remains valid until it's changed, so the most recent password will be valid forever, until the expiration policy requires it to be changed at the first new logon/login that occurs after the expiration of the retention period, whereupon the new password will become the most recent, and so forth.
Last edited:
- #33
nevpossi
- 4
- 1
after reading the whole thread, it seems using a password manager is necessary for keeping a record for all accounts.
- #34
berkeman
Admin
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Sounds like you have a nice spam link you'd like to post. Go ahead...nevpossi said:
- #35
nevpossi
- 4
- 1
just kidding me?berkeman said:Sounds like you have a nice spam link you'd like to post. Go ahead...