Abstract: Determining the onset of a computer password attack by counting the total number of characters and the number of wrong characters in the submitted password and comparing these numbers to the correct password. If the total number of characters in the submitted password differs from the number in the correct password, or if the number of wrong characters exceeds the user-defined number allowed, a password attack is declared.

Abstract: Automatic proactive means and methods for substantially defeating a password attack against a computer having a password-protected program installed in it. These means and methods range from not responding at all, to responding with instructions to disrupt the ability of the computer having the attack program in it to continue the attack.