What describes the process known as a brute-force attack in cybersecurity?

A brute-force attack is a method used in cybersecurity to attempt to gain unauthorized access to systems, accounts, or data by systematically trying every possible combination of characters until the correct password is found. This method relies on the sheer computational power and time it may take to exhaust all possibilities, making it effective against weak passwords. As computing power increases, the feasibility of brute-force attacks has also grown, which is why strong password policies, including complexity and length, are critical defenses against such tactics.

In contrast, utilizing pre-defined password lists involves a different approach known as a dictionary attack, which relies on common passwords rather than exhaustive character combinations. Intercepting online transmissions refers to techniques such as packet sniffing or man-in-the-middle attacks that do not involve direct password guessing at all. Finally, employing social engineering tactics focuses on manipulating individuals into revealing confidential information, which is entirely different from the brute-force methodology. Thus, the definition provided in the correct choice accurately reflects the essence of a brute-force attack.