which is better to brute force a zip file, fcrackzip or hashcat?

I've had my fair share of experience with cracking zip files, so I'll be happy to share my thoughts with you.

Now, when it comes to brute-forcing a zip file, both fcrackzip and hashcat are popular tools that can get the job done. However, they have their own strengths and weaknesses, so it ultimately depends on your specific requirements and preferences.

Fcrackzip is a straightforward and user-friendly tool. It's quite efficient when the password for the zip file is weak or easily guessable. It uses a dictionary attack, where it tries a list of commonly used passwords or a custom wordlist to crack the file. If the password is relatively simple, fcrackzip can often break it quickly.

On the other hand, Hashcat is a more powerful and versatile tool. It supports various attack modes, including brute-force, dictionary, and mask attacks. It utilizes the processing power of your graphics card (GPU) to accelerate the cracking process, making it significantly faster compared to fcrackzip in certain scenarios. However, using Hashcat may require more technical knowledge and setup.

Now, as for which one is better, it really depends on your specific situation. If you're dealing with a simple password and want a straightforward solution, fcrackzip could be a good choice. But if you're looking for more advanced features and faster cracking speeds, Hashcat might be worth exploring.

Remember, though, that brute-forcing a zip file can take a considerable amount of time and resources, especially if the password is complex. It's always a good idea to ensure you have the legal authority to access the contents of the zip file before attempting to crack it.

I hope this sheds some light on your question! If you have any more doubts or need further assistance, feel free to ask. Good luck with your endeavors!