What type of password guessing attack uses common words?

The use of common words in a password guessing attack is characteristic of a dictionary attack. This method involves leveraging a predefined list of words that are often used in passwords, such as common words from dictionaries, names, or easily guessable phrases. The attacker systematically attempts to log in by checking each word in their list, which can be quite effective since many users choose weak passwords based on common language.

In contrast, a brute-force attack methodically tries every possible combination of characters until the correct password is found, making it more extensive and time-consuming. A combination attack would mix elements of brute-force and dictionary attacks, trying both common words and more complex combinations, while phishing involves deceiving users to gain access to passwords rather than guessing them.