Subject: Breaking PKZIP encryption

25. *****
 Q: Where can I find a program to break a PKZIP encryption password?
(I zipped a few files awhile ago and password protected the zipped
file. The problem is, I forgot the password. Does anyone know of a
utility that can get me past the password?)

This is a recurring question especially in the comp.compression
newsgroup on Usenet. The credibility of this FAQ is low. It is not
highly likely that this error of forgetting the zip file password
really occurs as often as this question. The blunt response is "Why
would one, in the first place, want to use a security feature that
can be easily broken?" Yes, brute force programs can be found on the
net for that purpose, because the encryption used in PKZIP is not
very strong. In particular, if the password that has been used is
relatively short it can be broken. If someone points you to the
exact location of such a utility, that is no problem for me. But
please allow me not to divulge myself information which contains
advice involving cracking.
--------------------------------------------------------------------