Cyber-Ark has warned companies of the need to encrypt their data
files following news from Russia that the nVidia GeForce 8800 graphics
card can be used to dramatically speed up the time needed to crack
password systems.
Elcomsoft, the Moscow-based IT security software vendor, claims
that the nVidia GeForce 8000 graphics card can be used to increase the
speed of 'brute force' password cracking by a factor of 25.
"This means that the Windows Vista password system, which would
normally take months and months to crack using a brute force technique,
could be cracked in a matter of days, thanks to the parallel processing
capabilities of the nVidia graphics processor," said Calum Macleod,
Cyber-Ark's European director.
Elcomsoft's revelations are likely to send shock waves through
the IT security world, as it shows that powerful off-the-shelf kit can
be now used for advanced hacking procedures. If ever there was a wake-up
call to companies of the need to encrypt their data, this is it,"
he added.
www.cyber-ark.com
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