A $30,000 AI GPU Lags Consumer GPUs in Password-Cracking Tests
Summary
In a Specops-sponsored comparison using Hashcat benchmarks across five hash algorithms, the RTX 5090 outperformed the Nvidia H200 and AMD MI300X. The article also discusses password length, reuse, breached credentials and MFA.
Key points
- Specops says its Hashcat benchmark comparison covered MD5, NTLM, bcrypt, SHA-256 and SHA-512.
- The RTX 5090 generated hashes faster than both AI accelerators across all five tested algorithms, according to the comparison.
- The article says a 2017 rig with eight GTX 1080s achieved 334 GH/s on NTLM, comparable to or faster than the AI accelerators tested.
- Specops estimates that a mixed-character password cracked with SHA-256 could be cracked in 21 hours, while a 15-character password of the same character mix would take around 167 billion years.
- The article warns that password reuse can expose corporate accounts when credentials leaked from personal services are tried against workplace accounts.
- It recommends stronger, longer passwords, monitoring for breached credentials and using MFA; the article also promotes Specops products.
Article Details
- Topic
- GPU performance in password cracking and organizational defenses against weak or exposed credentials.
MITRE ATT&CK
Vendors
AMDTo explore that scenario, we compared two flagship AI accelerators, the Nvidia H200 and AMD MI300X, with Nvidia’s top consumer GPU, the RTX 5090.NvidiaTo explore that scenario, we compared two flagship AI accelerators, the Nvidia H200 and AMD MI300X, with Nvidia’s top consumer GPU, the RTX 5090.Specops SoftwareSponsored by Specops Software
Products
AMD MI300XTo explore that scenario, we compared two flagship AI accelerators, the Nvidia H200 and AMD MI300X, with Nvidia’s top consumer GPU, the RTX 5090.Microsoft Active DirectoryThese cover the common algorithms found in an organization’s Active Directory, from older, fast hashes that are relatively easy to brute force, through to modern algorithms with far stronger cryptography.Nvidia H200To explore that scenario, we compared two flagship AI accelerators, the Nvidia H200 and AMD MI300X, with Nvidia’s top consumer GPU, the RTX 5090.RTX 5090To explore that scenario, we compared two flagship AI accelerators, the Nvidia H200 and AMD MI300X, with Nvidia’s top consumer GPU, the RTX 5090.Specops Password PolicyTools like Specops Password Policy help here in two crucial ways:Specops Secure AccessSpecops Secure Access delivers that additional layer of security to Windows Logon, RDP and VPN connections.