Credential Stuffing vs Password Spraying | HyperVerge

Every user has multiple online accounts, each protected by a password. But what happens if someone guesses or leaks that password? The account gets compromised.

Two common ways hackers break in are credential stuffing and password spraying.

With credential stuffing, hackers already have stolen credentials. They use them to gain access to different accounts, hoping you have reused passwords.
Password spraying works differently. Hackers attempt to log in using a list of popular passwords. They target multiple accounts until one works.

Both methods are serious threats—not just to your privacy but also to your finances.

This guide will explore credential stuffing vs. password spraying. We will also share the best cybersecurity practices to protect your accounts.

What is credential stuffing?

Credential stuffing is a type of cyberattack. Hackers use usernames and passwords stolen from one site. Then, they try those same login details on other sites. It is done hoping people reuse the same correct password for multiple accounts. If it works, they can break into your accounts without much effort.

For example, if a hacker gets your Netflix password, they’ll also try it on your email, bank, or social media accounts. 

Hackers usually get login credentials from data breaches. A data breach happens when hackers break into a website or app and steal user information. These stolen credentials are often shared or sold on the dark web. Hackers build large lists of leaked usernames and passwords. 

Once hackers have a list of credentials, they use automated tools to try those details on other websites. These tools test thousands of usernames and passwords quickly, trying to find a match. They target accounts on popular sites like banks, shopping sites, and streaming platforms. These sites are used to steal money, make purchases, or gather more personal information.

Real-world examples of credential-stuffing attacks

Credential stuffing attacks are happening more often—and on a large scale. 

In July 2019, Capital One had a major data breach. It affected over 100 million customers in the U.S. and 6 million in Canada. A hacker named Paige Thompson found a weakness in Capital One’s security. She accessed private information like Social Security and bank account numbers. While no login details were taken, the breach showed how poor security can lead to big problems. Capital One offered free credit monitoring and faced costs of up to $150 million. 

Another example of a credential-stuffing attack is Disney+. In 2019, soon after its launch, Disney+ faced a credential-stuffing attack. Hackers used stolen usernames and passwords from other sites to access accounts. Many customers found their accounts compromised or sold on the dark web for as little as $3. This incident showed the risks of reusing passwords. Disney+ urged users to create unique passwords and provided support for those affected. 

What is password spraying?

Password spraying is a technique in which hackers try to access many accounts by using a few common passwords. Instead of guessing passwords for each username, they pick specific usernames and try the same password on all of them.

Attackers begin by selecting a specific group of usernames to target. This often includes accounts with higher privileges, such as admin or IT accounts. They compile a list of common passwords. This list can include popular choices or passwords that have previously been leaked in data breaches. 

Hackers use automated tools to log in to each targeted account with the same password. They might start with the most common password and then move on to the next one if the first attempt fails. Attackers keep track of which accounts they successfully access and which remain locked. This helps them refine their approach for future attempts.

This method is effective because it avoids triggering account lockouts after multiple failed login attempts, making it harder for defenders to notice the attack.

Techniques to prevent password spraying attacks

There are several ways to safeguard yourself against password-spraying attacks. Some of the best fraud prevention techniques include: 

1. Enforce strong password policies: Require long passwords with a mix of letters, numbers, and special characters. This makes them harder to guess. Regularly remind users to update their passwords to maintain security.
2. Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Users must verify their identity using two or more methods. This makes it tough for attackers to access accounts, even if they have the password.
3. Use CAPTCHAs: Add CAPTCHAs to login pages. They help tell humans from bots. This slows down automated login attempts and protects against password spraying.
4. Account Lockouts: Set lockouts after several failed login attempts. This limits how many tries attackers have. It also helps notify admins of possible threats to the account.

Using these techniques can greatly assist you in fraud detection and avoiding potential password-spraying attacks.

How credential stuffing differs from password spraying

Both credential stuffing and password spraying put your accounts at stake. Even though the result is similar, these two forms of password attacks vary. Let us understand the difference between credential stuffing and password spraying in detail. 

Aspect	Credential Stuffing	Password Spraying
Attack methodology	Credential stuffing involves using previously compromised username and password pairs. The method assumes that many users reuse login information across different platforms. This practice capitalizes on the common behavior of users who simplify their online experience by not creating unique passwords for each site.	Password spraying focuses on gaining access to a single platform at a time. Attackers utilize a short list of common passwords and apply them against many usernames. The assumption here is that some users will have selected easily guessable passwords. This technique targets individuals who neglect strong password practices.
Target vulnerabilities	Credential stuffing specifically targets the vulnerability created by the widespread practice of reusing the same login credentials across various services. If an attacker obtains one set of valid credentials, they can access multiple accounts.	Password spraying focuses on accounts that utilize simple, common passwords. This method capitalizes on many users’ weak password policies, such as using easily guessable words or patterns. Organizations with weak password requirements can become prime targets for these attacks.
Source of data	Credential stuffing heavily relies on access to large databases filled with leaked credentials. These databases often stem from previous security breaches where sensitive login information was exposed. Attackers collect this data from various sources, such as hacked websites, and test these credentials on numerous platforms to find matches.	It utilizes lists of commonly used passwords that are either well-known or easy to guess. These lists may include passwords from popular culture, common phrases, or predictable patterns. Since password spraying doesn’t require a database of stolen credentials, it’s often easier to execute.
Detection rate	Detecting credential-stuffing attacks can be challenging. Attackers use advanced techniques like proxy rotation and timing adjustments to evade detection systems. By mimicking legitimate user behavior, security measures find it harder to distinguish between real login attempts and malicious activity.	Password spraying is generally easier to detect. The method involves repeated login attempts with limited passwords, which can trigger automated systems to flag and block suspicious activity. The predictable nature of password spraying makes it more susceptible to detection and countermeasures.
Success rate	The success rates for credential stuffing attacks largely depend on the quality and freshness of the stolen credential list. If the credentials are recent and have not been widely recognized as compromised, attackers stand a greater chance of success.	Password spraying typically exhibits a lower success rate compared to credential stuffing. This method relies on the chance that some accounts use very common passwords, making it less effective overall. However, it can still be remarkably successful against organizations that fail to enforce strong password policies.

How to protect yourself from credential stuffing and password spraying

Now that we understand the risks and the procedure, here is how to prevent credential stuffing and password spraying. Some of  the best ways to protect yourself online are: 

Use strong, unique passwords for every online account

The first step in safeguarding your accounts is to create strong passwords. A strong password should be long and complex. It should include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid using easily guessable information, like birthdays or names.

Additionally, use unique passwords for every account. If one password is compromised, having different passwords helps. 

Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever possible

Multi-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your accounts. The second factor can be a code sent to your phone, a fingerprint scan, or a security key.

Many online services offer MFA options. Make sure to enable this feature wherever it is available. It significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access and helps protect your personal information.

Be cautious when entering login credentials on untrusted websites

Not all websites are safe. Be wary of entering your login information on unfamiliar or suspicious sites. Always check the URL for a secure connection. Look for “https://” at the beginning of the web address. The “s” stands for secure and indicates that the site encrypts your data.

If a website looks poorly designed or has unusual requests, it’s best to avoid it. Phishing attacks often happen on fake websites that mimic legitimate ones. Always verify the website’s authenticity before logging in.

Regularly update software and applications

Keeping your software and applications up to date is vital for security. Software developers frequently release updates that patch security vulnerabilities. If you ignore these updates, you leave your devices open to attacks.

Enable automatic updates whenever possible. This ensures that you receive the latest security fixes without needing to remember to do it yourself. Regularly check for updates for your operating systems, browsers, and apps.

Conclusion

Cybersecurity awareness is the most important aspect of protecting yourself against credential stuffing and password spraying. Knowing how these attacks occur and how to safeguard yourself against them is crucial. 

Both attacks can lead to significant data breaches and financial loss. Therefore, fraud monitoring is to safeguard your online accounts.

Organizations must implement strong security measures to defend against these threats. This includes enforcing password security policies, enabling multi-factor authentication, and regularly updating software.

HyperVerge helps you safeguard yourself with its fraud detection and prevention. HyperVerge Anti-fraud Solutions protects your financial assets and preserves your reputation. We prevent financial loss by identifying fraudulent behavior in real-time with AI tech. Book a demo today and guard yourself from cyberattacks. 

FAQs

1. What is the difference between a password spraying and a dictionary attack?

Password spraying and dictionary attacks are both methods of guessing passwords. In password spraying, attackers try a few common passwords against many usernames. They aim for accounts with weak passwords. In contrast, a dictionary attack tests many passwords against one username. It uses a list of common words or phrases. Both methods exploit weak password practices, but they target accounts differently.

2. What is the password spraying technique?

Password spraying is a technique where attackers attempt to access accounts using a small set of common passwords. They target many usernames in a single attack. This approach is effective because many people use simple or common passwords. By trying only a few passwords across many accounts, attackers can increase their chances of success.

3. What is the difference between brute force and credential stuffing?

Brute force password attacks and credential stuffing use different methods. A brute force attack tries all possible password combinations for one username until it finds the correct one. This method can be time-consuming and requires a lot of computing power. On the other hand, credentials stuffing uses stolen username and password pairs from data breaches. 

4. What is credential stuffing?

Credential stuffing is a cyber-attack where hackers use stolen usernames and password pairs to access accounts. These credentials often come from previous data breaches. Attackers use automated tools to try these credentials across various websites. Many users reuse passwords, which increases the chances of a successful attack. If the login is successful, the attackers gain unauthorized access to the user accounts.