Understanding Credential Stuffing

Imagine your personal login details being swiped from one site, then used to break into your accounts elsewhere. Sounds intrusive, right? 

When it comes to credential stuffing, sometimes something as convenient as using the same password has some serious consequences.

While it may seem the only solution would be “I’ll just mix up my passwords a bit,” the act of credential stuffing is a little more complicated than just adding a capital letter or punctuation to your plethora of passwords. Even if you have 25 different passwords and two of them remain the same, it’s still an easy access point for hackers.

But who’s saying credential stuffing needs to put a damper on your passwords? With an understanding of what tactics are used and how to improve upon your cyber defenses, credential stuffing can stuff it!

Common Techniques Used by Attackers

1. Automated Tools: Attackers use bots to try stolen credentials across numerous sites quickly and efficiently.
2. Database Breaches: If you had any account involved in a breach, attackers are able to collect your data from a master list of users they were able to acquire.
3. Credential Dumps: Your passwords are for sale! And you may not know it. Attackers will purchase, bid or obtain large lists of stolen credentials from the dark web.
4. Password Spraying: Trying common passwords against many accounts to avoid detection, but quickly.
   
   

Staying One Step Ahead of These Attacks

Stay in the Know: By knowing the latest in the cybersecurity world, you’ll gain access to reports and articles stating if attacks are on the rise and providing specifics (where it’s happening, what happened, etc.).

Investigate Weird Cyber Behavior: Follow up on unusual access patterns or login attempts. You may be alerted if too many attempts have occurred on your account.

Incident Response Plan: Have a clear, actionable plan for responding to detected credential stuffing attempts, including user notifications and password resets.

Staying on the Defensive – Prevention Strategies

1. Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Adding an extra layer means extra work for the hackers, which they don’t like to do.
2. Use CAPTCHA Systems: Implement CAPTCHAs to disrupt automated bots.
3. Account Lockout Mechanisms: Temporarily lock accounts after several failed login attempts to prevent automated attacks.
4. Regularly Update Password Policies: Set reminders for regular password changes and prohibit the use of previously breached passwords about every 5-6 months.
5. Credential Screening Services: Whether its online programs or downloadable software, use services that check if user credentials have been exposed in breaches.
   
   

Credential Stuffing Who?

Yes, it’s true. We all use tons of passwords for a ton of different accounts, and unfortunately, hackers know this fact all too well. But it’s possible to consider credential stuffing a thing of the past.

We want you and your team to stay on the cyber offensive. By knowing and seeing the attacks when they occur, understanding their impacts and keeping your passwords under lock and key, credential stuffing attempts won’t know what hit them!