Are You Protected Against “Password Spraying?”

So, just what is Password spraying? It’s a fairly new and complex type of cyberattack that uses weak passwords to get into multiple user accounts without permission. Using the same password or a list of passwords that are often used on multiple accounts is what this method is all about. The goal is to get around common security measures like account lockouts.

Cyber-attacks that use a lot of passwords are very successful because they target the weakest link in cybersecurity, which is always the end user, and the weak way they manage their passwords. This piece will explain how password spraying works, talk about how it's different from other brute-force attacks, and look at ways to find and stop it. We will also look at cases from real life and talk about how businesses can protect themselves from these threats.

Password spraying is a type of brute-force attack where an attacker attempts a few common passwords against a large list of usernames. Unlike a traditional brute-force attack that hammers a single account with many password guesses, password spraying spreads the login attempts across many accounts, making it a "low and slow" method that avoids triggering account lockout policies which are usually put in place to stop brute-force attacks. 

For password spraying to work, a lot of people need to use weak passwords that are easy to figure out. Unfortunately there is no lack of weak password users.

A common way cyber criminals approach this is to get lists of usernames from public directories or data leaks that have already happened. They then use the same passwords to try to log in to all of these accounts. Usually, the process is automated so that it can quickly try all possible pairs of username and password.

Bear in mind that for quite a few years running, the world’s most common password is ‘123456’ – and hackers know this. A weak password like that is the first thing they try

The plan here is to pick a small group of common passwords, like ‘123456,’ that at least some people in the target company are likely to use. These passwords are usually taken from lists of common passwords that are available to the public, or they are based on information about the group, like the name or location of the company. Attackers lower their chances of being locked out while increasing their chances of successfully logging in by using the same set of passwords for multiple accounts.

Because they don't trigger as much suspicious behavior as other types of brute-force attacks, a lot of people don't notice password spraying attacks. The attack looks less dangerous because only one password is used at a time, so it might not set off any instant alarms. But if these attempts are made on multiple accounts, they can have a terrible effect if they are not properly tracked and dealt with.

This has become a very popular method of attack among hackers. Because it is so easy to do and works so well to get around security measures, it is a major threat to both personal and business data security. As cybersecurity improves, it will become more important to understand and stop password spraying threats.

What are the different types of password attacks?

There are a few techniques used for actualizing password attacks: word reference, brute-forcing, password speculating, hash infusion, phishing, LLMNR/NBT-NS Poisoning, utilizing Trojan/spyware/keyloggers, and so forth.

Reiterating what makes password spraying different from other brute-force attacks is in its approach and execution. While traditional brute-force attacks focus on trying multiple passwords against a single account, password spraying uses a single password across multiple accounts. This difference allows attackers to avoid triggering account lockout policies, which are designed to protect against excessive login attempts on a single account.

Brute-Force Attacks

Just as the name implies, brute-force attacks hit hard and fast, attempting to overwhelm a system. This usually involves systematically trying all possible combinations of passwords to gain access to an account. These attacks are often resource-intensive and can be easily detected due to the high volume of login attempts on a single account.

Credential Stuffing

This is another type of brute-force attack that involves using lists of stolen username and password combinations to attempt logins. Unlike password spraying, credential stuffing relies on previously compromised credentials rather than guessing common passwords.

Password Spraying is a Stealthy Attack

These attacks are stealthier than traditional brute-force attacks because they distribute attempts across many accounts, making them harder to detect. In effect, they don’t use a battering ram – they sneak in. This stealthiness is a key factor in their effectiveness, as they can often go unnoticed until significant damage has been done.

Rootkit Malware

This is a program or collection of malicious software tools that give attackers remote access to and control over a computer or other system. Although rootkits have some legitimate uses, most are used to open a backdoor on victims’ systems to introduce malicious software or use the system for further network attacks.

The methodology: Rootkit Malware often attempts to prevent detection by deactivating endpoint antimalware and antivirus software. They can be installed during phishing attacks or through social engineering tactics, giving remote cybercriminals administrator access to the system. Once installed, a rootkit can install viruses, ransomware, keyloggers, or other types of malware, and even change system configurations to maintain stealth.

How can you protect against password spraying?

Before you do anything, consult with your IT services, whether an internal IT support team or an outsourced Managed IT Services firm.

The first step with any type of attack is detecting it. Password spraying is not like ransomware, which makes itself evident in a heartbeat by locking you out of your system. To detect this new threat you need to establish a proactive approach to monitoring and analysis. Implement robust cybersecurity measures to identify suspicious activities early on, including monitoring for unusual login attempts, establishing baseline thresholds for failed logins, and using advanced security tools to detect patterns indicative of password spraying.

Strong Password Policies

How is it that the most common password, ‘123456’ is also the easiest to crack - as noted above? Are we really living in that kind of brain-dead world? Enforcing strong, unique passwords for all users is crucial in preventing password spraying attacks. Organizations should adopt guidelines that ensure passwords are complex, lengthy, and regularly updated. Tools like password managers can help users generate and securely store strong passwords. Check out our password tips HERE.

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

MFA, or at least 2FA (Two Factor Authentication) significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access by requiring additional verification steps beyond just a password. Implementing MFA across all user accounts, especially those accessing sensitive information, is essential for protecting against password spraying.

Regular Security Audits

You CANNOT just set up cybersecurity defenses and forget about them – they will soon be outdated. Conduct regular audits of authentication logs and security posture assessments, which can help identify vulnerabilities that could facilitate password spraying attacks. These audits should focus on detecting trends that automated tools might miss and ensuring that all security measures are up-to-date and effective.

Additional Measures

In war, victory is not generally attained by just doing ‘the usual.’ Wars are won when heroes go above and beyond, and this is a war against your profitability. Once you’ve instituted the core strategies of strong passwords and MFA, go the extra mile and add several additional steps to enhance your security posture against password spraying attacks. This includes configuring security settings to detect and respond to suspicious login attempts, educating users about password security, and implementing Incident Response Plans (IRPs).

Enhance Login Detection

Set up detection systems for login attempts to multiple accounts from a single host over a short period, because that can be a clear indicator of a password spraying attempt. Implementing stronger lockout policies that balance security with usability is also crucial.

Security Awareness Training

Most data breaches are caused by human error – untrained employees who don’t know how to recognize an attack in the making. User education plays a vital role in preventing password spraying attacks as well as many others, like Ransomware. Users should be informed about the risks of weak passwords and the importance of MFA. Setting up regular, ongoing Security Awareness Training sessions can help reinforce best practices in password management and security awareness.

Establish IRPs (Incident Response Plans)

This can help keep every emergency from descending into chaos. Having a comprehensive incident response plan in place is essential for quickly responding to and mitigating the effects of all attacks, including password spraying. This plan should include procedures for alerting users, changing passwords, and conducting thorough security audits.

Be Proactive About Password Spraying

Do not underestimate or ignore the potential for password spraying attacks. This is a significant threat to cybersecurity that exploits weak passwords to gain unauthorized access to multiple accounts. You need to prioritize strong password policies, multi-factor authentication, and proactive monitoring to protect against these attacks.

By understanding how password spraying works and implementing robust security measures, you can safeguard your data and systems from these sophisticated cyber threats.