delay

slack_prad · 12-26-2006, 03:25 AM

If my system authentication fails(I enter a wrong password) why is there a delay before it tells me my credentials are wrong?
I don't see this 'delay' if I'm authed properly. It very quickly returns me shell prompt.

Code:

:~$su
Password:<wrong pass>    
su: Authentication failure /* delay before this line appears */
Sorry.

This question is not linux specific. It applies to all unix variants.

mindsport · 12-26-2006, 04:20 AM

i would assume to limit a brute force attack.. if you werent given a long delay you could just sit there and try again and again 100 times.. this way atleast you'll frustrate long before your successful