Password spraying is a type of cyberattack that tries to break into user accounts by guessing common or weak passwords. Instead of trying many passwords on one account (which can trigger a lockout), attackers try one password on many accounts. This helps them avoid being blocked.

These attacks are often successful because they take advantage of poor password habits. People tend to reuse simple passwords, making them easy targets. In this article, we’ll explain how password spraying works, how it’s different from other brute-force attacks, and how to spot and stop it. We’ll also share real-life examples and show how businesses can stay protected from these kinds of threats.

How does Password Spraying work?

Password spraying is a brute-force method where attackers try the same password across many user accounts. This helps them avoid account lockout policies, which are usually triggered when too many wrong passwords are entered for a single account. For this method to work, users must be using weak or common passwords.

Hackers usually get usernames from public sources or previous data breaches. Then they use automated tools to try logging into all those accounts with a short list of common passwords.

Their goal is to find a password that a few users are likely to use. These passwords often come from leaked lists or are guessed based on the organization’s name, location, or other public info. By testing just a few passwords across many accounts, attackers reduce their chances of being blocked while increasing their odds of breaking in.

Many password spraying attacks go unnoticed because they don’t look suspicious at first. Since only one password is used per account at a time, the behavior may not trigger alerts. But over time, these attacks can cause serious damage if they aren’t spotted and stopped.

In recent years, password spraying has become a popular tactic—even among nation-state hackers—because it’s simple, effective, and can bypass common defenses. As cybersecurity threats evolve, stopping password spraying must become a priority.

Next, we’ll explain how password spraying is different from other attack types and how to detect it before damage is done.

How Is Password Spraying Different from Other Cyberattacks?

Password spraying stands out from other brute-force attacks because of how it works. In a typical brute-force attack, hackers try many different passwords on one account until they find the right one. But in a password spraying attack, they take one common password and try it across many different accounts.

This method helps attackers avoid detection. Most systems are set up to block an account after too many failed login attempts. But because password spraying uses only one password per account, those limits aren’t triggered, making the attack harder to spot.

What Are Brute-Force Attacks?

Brute-force attacks happen when hackers try every possible password to break into an account. These attacks use a lot of computer power and are easy to spot because they flood one account with login attempts.

How Credential Stuffing Works

Credential stuffing is similar but uses real login info stolen from past data breaches. Instead of guessing, hackers try known username and password pairs to log into accounts. It’s different from password spraying because it relies on leaked credentials, not common passwords.

Why Password Spraying Is So Sneaky

Password spraying is harder to detect than other brute-force attacks. That’s because it spreads login attempts across many accounts using the same password, instead of hitting one account over and over. This quiet method helps attackers stay hidden and makes it tough for security systems to catch the attack early.

Next, we’ll look at how companies can spot and stop these attacks before they do damage.

How Can Organizations Detect and Stop Password Spraying Attacks?

Stopping password spraying takes a proactive approach. Companies need to watch their systems closely for warning signs. This means checking for unusual login attempts, keeping track of how many times users fail to log in, and using smart security tools that spot patterns tied to password spraying.

Use Strong Password Rules

One of the best ways to stop password spraying is to require strong passwords. Make sure every user creates passwords that are long, complex, and changed regularly. Password managers can make this easier by helping users create and store secure passwords.

Turn On Multi-Factor Authentication

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds a second layer of protection beyond just a password. Even if hackers guess the password, they won’t get in without the second step. Every account—especially ones that hold sensitive data—should have MFA enabled.

Run Security Checks Often

Regularly checking login logs and reviewing your security setup can help catch problems early. These audits can spot patterns that might slip past automated tools. They also make sure your defenses are strong and up to date.

In the next section, we’ll go over more ways to guard against password spraying attacks.

What Other Steps Can Strengthen Your Security?

In addition to using strong passwords and turning on MFA, businesses can take more steps to protect against password spraying attacks. These include setting up better login monitoring, teaching employees about password safety, and having a plan ready if an attack happens.

Better Login Monitoring

Set up systems to spot when one device tries to log in to many accounts in a short amount of time. That’s often a sign of a password spraying attempt. Also, update your account lockout rules to find the right balance between stopping hackers and not locking out real users by mistake.

Teach Employees About Security

Employees need to know why password safety matters. Explain the risks of weak passwords and why MFA is so important. Regular training helps people stay alert and use better security habits at work.

Plan Ahead for Attacks

It’s important to have an incident response plan ready in case a password spraying attack happens. The plan should include steps like warning users, forcing password resets, and reviewing your systems for signs of damage or stolen data. A good plan can help stop the attack from spreading and reduce harm.

Taking Action Against Password Spraying

Password spraying is a serious cybersecurity threat that takes advantage of weak passwords to break into multiple accounts. To stay safe, businesses need to focus on strong password rules, enable multi-factor authentication (MFA), and actively watch for suspicious activity. Knowing how password spraying works and putting solid protections in place can help prevent attackers from getting into your systems.

If you want to boost your company’s cybersecurity and defend against password spraying, we’re here to help! Our team offers expert advice and solutions to improve your security and protect your digital information.

Book a quick Discovery Call with us today to find out how we can help keep your systems safe from growing cyber threats.

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