In cryptanalysis and computer security, a dictionary attack is a method of breaking a cipher or authentication mechanism by trying common words, like names of people, sports teams, pets, and cars, as possible passwords or decryption keys. Sophisticated dictionary attacks rank words by those most likely to be used. For that reason, computer users are advised to avoid passwords that can be found in an ordinary dictionary. How else can dictionary attacks be thwarted? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary