Credential Stuffing

Glossary

What is Credential Stuffing?

Credential stuffing is a cyberattack tactic whereby attackers obtain unauthorised access to accounts by using stolen login credentials, such as usernames and passwords. These credentials are often acquired through data breaches or sold on the dark web. Once in possession of the credentials, attackers use automated tools to attempt multiple logins across various websites and services to exploit password reuse and gain access to sensitive accounts.

How Credential Stuffing Attacks Occur

  1. Acquisition of Stolen Credentials: Hackers gain access to login credentials through large-scale data breaches, phishing attacks, or by purchasing them from illegal marketplaces on the dark web. Breached databases are shared or sold, often containing thousands or even millions of compromised credentials.
  2. Automated Login Attempts: Once attackers have obtained the credentials, they use automated tools, such as bots or scripts, to try the stolen username and password combinations across multiple sites. These tools can attempt thousands of logins within minutes, drastically increasing the chances of success.
  3. Exploitation of Password Reuse: Since many people use the same passwords for several accounts, credential stuffing is quite successful. Attackers take advantage of this behaviour since they know that a password stolen from one website is probably still valid on other websites. The chance of an account compromise rising as a result is considerable.
  4. Account Takeover: An attacker can hijack an account if they are able to log in with the credentials they obtained successfully. They might then be able to access private information, carry out unauthorised activities, or utilise the account to start other attacks like phishing or the spread of malware. Businesses may suffer monetary losses, harm to their reputations, and fines from the authorities as a result.

Common Targets for Credential Stuffing

  1. Financial Institutions: Banks and financial services are prime targets because they hold sensitive personal and financial information. Hackers seek access to accounts where they can steal funds, transfer money, or exploit credit card data. Financial institutions often suffer heavy losses if such breaches occur.
  2. E-commerce Platforms: Online retailers are frequently targeted due to the potential for attackers to make fraudulent purchases or steal payment information. Successful credential stuffing attacks can lead to large financial losses for both the business and its customers, as well as potential identity theft.
  3. Social Media Accounts: Social media platforms contain personal details and are often linked to other online services. Hackers may hijack accounts to post harmful content, spread disinformation, or run phishing campaigns against the victim’s friends and followers. In some cases, attackers may also sell access to high-profile accounts.
  4. Healthcare Systems: Healthcare organisations are a rich source of sensitive information, including medical histories, insurance details, and personal identification. Cybercriminals target these systems to commit medical fraud, steal identities, or sell patient data on the black market, which fetches high prices due to its value for identity theft and insurance fraud.

Preventing Credential Stuffing

  1. Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): By requiring users to authenticate their identity using a second factor—such as an email code, a text message code, or biometric information—multi-factor authentication (MFA) bolsters security even more (fingerprint or face recognition). MFA prevents access unless an attacker has the second authentication factor, even if they manage to get legitimate credentials.
  2. Adopt Password Managers: The probability of password reuse is reduced by password managers, who create and maintain complicated, one-of-a-kind passwords for each account. Password managers assist in preventing attackers from successfully utilising stolen credentials across numerous websites by generating strong passwords that are challenging to guess.
  3. Monitor for Unusual Activity: Employing tools to track user behaviour and identify anomalous access patterns—like repeatedly unsuccessful attempts at logging in, logging in from strange places, or logging in quickly across several accounts—is something that organisations should do. This solution can facilitate real-time credential-stuffing attack detection and blocking.
  4. Employ IP Blocking and Captchas: Credential stuffing attacks are often carried out using bots that make numerous automated login attempts. Implementing captchas or other challenges that require human interaction can disrupt bots. Additionally, blocking suspicious IP addresses or using rate-limiting can slow down or prevent attacks.

How can iZOOlogic help my Company or Organisation?

Find out how iZOOlogic can protect you against the threats of credential stuffing with our advanced monitoring and security solutions.

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