high performance computing on graphics processing units: hgpu.org

As home network-based devices and servers become more accessible [1], the need for cybersecurity awareness and best practices to secure wireless network is increasingly important. With the growing affordability of advanced hardware technology, such as modern gaming PCs equipped with powerful graphics processing units (GPUs), which can facilitate password brute force cracking on a wider spectrum, security threats to password protected wireless networks are on the rise. This paper aims to examine the robustness of contemporary password standards, as well as the susceptibility of frequently deployed passwords, by utilizing modern consumer GPU technology to demonstrate the deprecation of a subset of passwords commonly deemed secure. This study focuses on two modern consumer GPUs, AMD Radeon RX 6800 and Nvidia RTX 4090, and their ability to perform brute-force password cracking attacks on PMKID hashes using Hashcat [2]. The paper discusses the effectiveness of using these GPUs to crack complex passwords and evaluates the length of a complex password at which it can be instantly cracked. Moreover, it demonstrates the potential increase in vulnerability of WPA password cracking within a practical time frame, especially when using human memorable passwords, with respect to the progress made in gaming GPU development over the past five years. This research study seeks to evaluate the efficacy of recent GPU architectures, in contrast with older architectures using different password cracking algorithms. The findings demonstrate that even passwords deemed secure are vulnerable to exploitation, highlighting the necessity for enhanced security measures. Finally, this paper highlights the need for greater cybersecurity awareness among the general public, particularly with regards to securing wireless home networks. By raising awareness and promoting best practices to combat modern cracking techniques, we can help prevent cyber attacks and safeguard our digital lives.