In the context of password security, what is the difference between a password checker and a password hacker?

The distinction between a password checker and a password hacker lies in their fundamental purposes and methods. A password checker is a tool or application designed to evaluate the strength of a password against certain criteria, such as length, complexity, and common vulnerabilities. This verification process helps users ensure their passwords comply with security best practices, ultimately enhancing overall security.

In contrast, a password hacker refers to an individual or tool attempting to gain unauthorized access to systems by exploiting weaknesses in password security, often through methods like brute force attacks, phishing, or social engineering. The primary goal of a hacker is to bypass legitimate authentication methods to access sensitive information or systems without permission.

Understanding this distinction highlights the role of password checkers in promoting good security practices versus the malicious intent of password hackers. The other options fail to accurately capture these differing roles, leading to confusion between tools designed for security enhancement and those aimed at compromising it.