What is password spraying?
Password spraying is a form of password attack in which an attacker attempts to access a large number of user accounts using a list of frequently used passwords. The aim of a password spraying attack is to exploit the fact that many users reuse the same passwords across multiple accounts.
Password spraying vs. brute-force attacks
Password spraying and brute-force attacks are both prevalent methods used by cyberattackers to gain unauthorized access to systems, but they differ significantly in their execution and detection.
Password spraying involves attempting to access a large number of user accounts using a list of frequently used passwords. In contrast, brute-force attacks aim at a single account, trying multiple password combinations in a short period of time.
A common issue with brute-force attacks is that attackers make multiple password attempts on a single account, causing organizations to lock user accounts after three to five failed login attempts. Password spraying attacks avoid this by targeting multiple accounts rather than a single account. This method helps attackers from being detected and prevents account lockouts triggered by repeated unsuccessful login attempts.
How does a password spraying attack work?
Here is a breakdown of a typical password spraying attack:
- Data acquisition: Attackers gather information about the target organization, such as employee email addresses and usernames, through data breaches or by scraping publicly available information.
- Password list compilations: The attacker compiles a list of commonly used passwords.
- Automated login attempts: Attackers attempt to log in to various accounts with each password from the list using automated tools.
- Exploiting weak security: If a password works on one account, the attacker gains access.
Impact of password spraying attacks
Password spraying attacks can have severe consequences, including:
- Data breaches: Sensitive information can be compromised through unauthorized access, resulting in data breaches and potential leaks.
- Financial loss: Organizations may suffer financial loss due to downtime, data theft, and ransomware attacks.
- Reputational damage: Loss of customer trust can result in decreased customer retention and acquisition, damaging the organization's reputation.
- Operational disruptions: Access to critical systems can be disrupted, affecting business continuity.
Methods for detecting password spraying attacks
Here are some ways in which you can detect password spraying attacks.
- Unusual login patterns: Track multiple failed login attempts across various accounts to detect unusual login patterns.
- Geographical discrepancies: Identify login attempts from unusual or unexpected locations.
- Time-based anomalies: Detect login attempts that occur at odd hours or outside regular business operations.
- Increased account lockouts: A sudden increase in account lockouts can indicate a password spraying attempt.
- Dormant account activity: Monitor for login attempts from accounts that have been inactive for a long period.
How to safeguard against password spraying attacks
Here are the key points on how to safeguard against password spraying attacks:
- Implement strong password policies: Enforce the use of complex passwords that include a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters, and ensure these passwords are updated regularly.
- Enforce multi-factor authentication (MFA): Implement adaptive or risk-based MFA, which requires additional verification for all login attempts.
- Monitor login activity: Track and analyze login attempts to identify unusual patterns, such as multiple failed attempts from a single IP address or geographic region.
- Implement account lockout policies: Enforce temporary account lockouts after multiple failed login attempts to prevent attackers from continuously trying different passwords.
- Consider passwordless options: Explore passwordless authentication methods like biometrics or passkeys for even stronger protection.
How ADSelfService Plus helps protect your organization from password spraying attacks
ADSelfService Plus is an identity security solution that provides adaptive MFA with support for a wide range of authenticators. It provides MFA for endpoints, cloud and on-premises applications, VPNs, and OWA. ADSelfService Plus also provides passwordless authentication options to bypass the need for users to enter passwords directly. The Password Policy Enforcer allows you to set stringent password rules, mitigating risks from weak or compromised passwords and protecting against various types of password attacks. In addition to these features, it also provides self-service password management and enterprise SSO.
Enhance password hygiene with effective password management using ADSelfService Plus
People also ask
What is a password spraying dictionary attack?
A dictionary attack attempts to break into an account by systematically trying every word in a predefined list of commonly used passwords. Password spraying, on the other hand, uses a small set of common passwords to try against many accounts.
What are the three main types of password attacks?
- Brute-force attack: Attackers attempt every possible combination of characters on one user account to find the correct password.
- Dictionary attacks: Attackers use a large, predefined list that often contains common words, phrases, and variations instead of random guesses of commonly used passwords to find a password.
- Password spraying: Attackers use a small set of commonly used passwords to try against many accounts to avoid detection and account lockouts triggered by rapid, repeated login attempts.
- What is the difference between brute force and password spraying attacks?
In a password spraying attack, attackers use a small set of commonly used passwords to try against many accounts, whereas an attacker in a brute-force attack tries all possible combinations of characters against one user account until the correct password is found.
What is the risk of password spray?
Attackers use weak passwords to target multiple user accounts. If an attacker guesses the correct password from a large pool of attempts, they can gain access to those accounts, which may lead to stolen data, financial losses, and reputational damage.
How do you protect against password spray?
To protect your organization against password spraying, utilize MFA as the primary shield while enforcing strong password policies, monitoring login activity, educating users, and considering passwordless authentication for enhanced security.
