Password cracking is the process of attempting to gain unauthorized access to a computer system or account by guessing or recovering passwords. This can be done using various methods, including brute force attacks, where every possible combination of characters is tried, or dictionary attacks, which use a list of common passwords and phrases. Crackers often use specialized software to automate these attempts, making the process faster and more efficient. Protecting against password cracking involves using strong, unique passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and regularly updating passwords to enhance security.