Cisco Cyber Security Practice Exam 2025 – Your All-in-One Guide to Exam Success!

The correct answer is dictionary, as a dictionary attack specifically targets the use of a list of common words, phrases, and passwords to gain unauthorized access to accounts or systems. This method relies on the fact that many users choose weak passwords based on recognizable words or simple variations of them. By systematically trying each word or phrase from the list, an attacker can exploit these predictable choices to break into an account.

The effectiveness of a dictionary attack stems from its focus on commonly used passwords, making it more efficient than brute-force attacks, which attempt all possible combinations of characters. While phishing involves tricking users into giving up their credentials or downloading malicious software, and man-in-the-middle attacks focus on intercepting communications between two parties, a dictionary attack is specifically centered on exploiting inadequate password choices made by individuals.