Cracking Unix Password Hashes with John the Ripper (JTR)

Introduction

This post will serve as an introduction to password cracking, and show how to use the popular tool John-the-Ripper (JTR) to crack standard Unix password hashes. I am also working on a follow-up post that will provide a far more comprehensive look at password cracking techniques as well as the different tools employed (as well as their pros/cons).