It is called a 'dictionary attack'.

And it one of the ways hackers discover passwords so they can break into your web banking, ebay, paypal or web hosting account.

In a dictionary attack, a program is used to try thousands of commonly used passwords at the login page under attack - until the right password needed to get in is discovered.

These attacks can be quite effective - especially if you have chosen a common or easily guessed password - like a child's or pet's name, a nickname, a favorite city or something similar.

To defend yourself against a dictionary attack, you'll want to change your important passwords to non guessable words, at least 8 characters long, which contain embedded numbers - ie g4e7abT333.

Think about the passwords that prevent access to your most critical accounts. Would a dictionary attack reveal these passwords and allow a hacker into your web banking or paypal account?

If in doubt, change your important passwords today.