Dictionary attack

A dictionary attack is a method used in cryptography to find a key (or username, or password). A large number of words are tried. These words usually come from a special collection, called a "dictionary". 

The attack is based on trying all the strings in a pre-arranged listing. The listing is usually derived from a list of words, such as in a dictionary (hence the phrase dictionary attack).Jeff Atwood. 
"Dictionary Attacks 101".

 References 

Category:Cryptography