What is Pass-the-Hash in Cybersecurity?
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?
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Where Pass-the-Hash is used across DecipherU
2 public surfaces on the platform reference this term in a meaningful way. Sorted by relevance.
Related glossary entries · 2
Other glossary terms whose definition cites this one.
"…work segments to reach their target. Common methods include pass-the-hash, remote desktop, and exploiting trust relationships."
"…n enterprise penetration tests. Attacks like Kerberoasting, Pass-the-Hash, and DCSync exploit AD weaknesses. SOC analysts monitor AD…"
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.
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