Credential Stuffing Attacks: An Overview

This guide will explain how credential stuffing attacks work, and how you can protect yourself and your online accounts.

What Are Credential Stuffing Attacks?

Credential stuffing attacks take place when cybercriminals leverage stolen login credentials to access other accounts tied to that particular individual. Cybercriminals may log in to each account individually, or they can automate the process and attempt to log into a large number of accounts at the same time. The goal is similar to other cyberattacks. Cybercriminals want your data and your money.

How Do Bad Actors Get My Login Credentials?

Cybercriminals can obtain your login credentials through the means you are already likely familiar with. They can get your credentials by stealing them in a data breach themselves, or by purchasing them off the dark web after they were compromised in a different cyberattack. Once they’ve obtained your credentials, then they’ll begin trying to use them.

How Are Credential Stuffing Attacks Harmful?

Cybercriminals are operating under the assumption that most people reuse the same password for all of their accounts. If a data breach victim is using the same password for all of their accounts, they have essentially made it easy for cybercriminals to breach their accounts. They wouldn’t need to guess the password, as they would for a brute force attack. All they need now is the email address tied to the account, or the username.

And if the person in question reuses the same username or email address, then it’ll be even easier for the malicious actors to enter into your accounts, leaving you at tremendous risk.

How Can I Protect Myself From Credential Stuffing Attacks?

Here are some ways to protect yourself from credential stuffing attacks:

• Use a strong, unique password or passphrase for all your accounts. Consider storing them in a password manager
• Implement multifactor authentication on all your accounts where available. Consider using an authenticator app or a physical security key rather than SMS text messages
• Monitor your account for suspicious activity. If you see activity on one of your accounts that you clearly did not partake in, that is a sign that your account has been compromised and that you need to take immediate action
• Set up your account to lock down after a set number of failed login attempts