What is Pass-the-Hash in Cybersecurity?
Offensive Security
Version 1.0 · Published April 2026 · Last verified April 2026
An attack technique where an attacker uses a stolen NTLM password hash to authenticate to a remote server without knowing the actual password. Windows networks are especially vulnerable because NTLM authentication accepts hashes directly. Attackers extract hashes from memory using tools like Mimikatz.
Why Pass-the-Hash Matters for Your Cybersecurity Career
Pass-the-hash is a critical lateral movement technique in Windows Active Directory environments. Penetration testers use it in nearly every internal network assessment. Incident responders look for pass-the-hash activity when investigating breaches. Security architects implement Credential Guard and disable NTLM to mitigate this attack in cybersecurity hardening projects.
Which Cybersecurity Roles Use Pass-the-Hash?
Related Cybersecurity Terms
Related Cybersecurity Certifications
An attack technique where an attacker uses a stolen NTLM password hash to authenticate to a remote server without knowing the actual password. Windows networks are especially vulnerable because NTLM authentication accepts hashes directly. Attackers extract hashes from memory using tools like Mimikatz.
Pass-the-hash is a critical lateral movement technique in Windows Active Directory environments. Penetration testers use it in nearly every internal network assessment. Incident responders look for pass-the-hash activity when investigating breaches. Security architects implement Credential Guard and disable NTLM to mitigate this attack in cybersecurity hardening projects.
Cybersecurity professionals who work with Pass-the-Hash include Penetration Tester, Incident Responder, Security Architect. These roles apply Pass-the-Hash knowledge within the Offensive Security domain.
Sources
Definitions are original explanations written for career development purposes. For authoritative technical definitions, refer to NIST, ISO, or the relevant standards body.
Last verified: April 2026?Report an inaccuracy
Related Resources
Related Cybersecurity Career Guides
Related Cybersecurity Certifications
Was this page helpful?
Get cybersecurity career insights delivered weekly
Join cybersecurity professionals receiving weekly intelligence on threats, job market trends, salary data, and career growth strategies.
Get Cybersecurity Career Intelligence
Weekly insights on threats, job trends, and career growth.
Unsubscribe anytime. More options