Understand these seven password attacks and how to stop them

Hackers are always looking for new ways to crack passwords and gain access to your organization’s data and systems. So how can you ensure you’re taking the right steps to defend your business?

In this post, we’ll explore the seven most common types of password attacks and provide tips on how to defend against them.

By understanding hackers’ tactics and learning best practices for stopping them, you’ll be able to strengthen your organization’s overall security.

1. Brute-force attacks

In a brute-force attack, hackers use automated tools to methodically check all password combinations until they find the right one.

What they lack in sophistication, they make up for in sheer persistence — brute-force attacks can be surprisingly effective, especially against weak or short passwords. 

How to prevent a brute-force attack:

• Implement account lockout policies after a certain number of failed attempts
• Enforce password length of 20+ characters
• Use passphrases instead of complex, hard-to-remember passwords

2. Dictionary attacks

In a dictionary attack, hackers use lists of commonly used words, phrases, and previously leaked passwords to try to gain unauthorized access. 

This can greatly speed up brute force techniques when combined together in a hybrid attack.

How to prevent a dictionary attack:

• Enforce strong password policies that require a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols
• Implement custom dictionaries to block common industry - or organization-specific terms
• Perform a password audit: Use tools like Specops Password Auditor to identify password-related risks in your Active Directory. Download for free and run a read-only scan today.

3. Password spraying

Hackers use password spraying techniques to help avoid detection and work around account lockout parameters.

Instead of making multiple attempts on the same account, attackers use a small set of common passwords against many accounts.  By spreading out their attempts, hackers can often fly under the radar of traditional security measures. 

How to prevent a password spraying attack:

• Use tools that offer adaptive authentication that can detect and respond to unusual login patterns
• Enforce the use of unique, complex passwords for each user
• Regularly audit and update password policies to stay ahead of ever-changing threats

4. Credential stuffing

A highly successful hacking technique, credential stuffing is where hackers use one service’s leaked username/password combination to try and access other services, taking advantage of the human tendency to reuse credentials across multiple accounts. 

How to prevent a credential stuffing attack:

• Educate users about the dangers of using the same password across multiple accounts
• Encourage (or mandate) the use of password managers to facilitate unique passwords for each account

5. Phishing

Phishing attacks can be extremely sophisticated, mimicking a legitimate service or site to trick people into performing actions or divulging confidential information.

Hackers phish victims in various ways, including via email and text messages. 

How to prevent a phishing attack:

• Regularly provide comprehensive awareness training to users
• Implement email filters and configure mail serves to detect and block phishing attempts
• Use email banners to clearly identify external emails

6. Keylogger attack

Keylogger attacks are some of the most dangerous types of password attacks.

In a keylogger attack, a hacker uses software or hardware to record every keystroke a user makes, including any credit card numbers or passwords they type.

These attacks are particularly insidious because they can capture the most complex passwords that might resist other forms of attack. 

How to prevent a keylogger attack:

• Keep all systems updated with the latest security patches
• Use up-to-date malware protection software on all devices
• Implement strict policies on USB device usage and software installation
• Encourage the use of password managers with auto-fill capabilities that bypass keyboard input

7. Social engineering

“Hey, Amy. This is Darren from IT support. We’re having problems with computers in your department. I know it’s almost 5PM but can you click the link I just emailed you and confirm you can login?”

Social engineering attacks use various techniques to manipulate people into performing actions or divulging confidential information.

These attacks often create a sense of urgency or authority, pressuring recipients to act quickly without verifying the request’s legitimacy.

How to prevent a social engineering attack:

• Conduct regularly security awareness training that includes social engineering scenarios
• Implement strict verification procedures for password resets, especially at the help desk
• Avoid security questions, which are especially susceptible to social engineering
• Create a culture of security awareness, where employees feel comfortable questioning unusual requests 

Additional best practices

As you’re preparing your organization’s defense against password attacks, remember to implement these best practices:

• Deploy multi-factor authentication (MFA): Multi-factor authentication is one of the best ways to enhance your security, helping you mitigate the potential impact of compromised passwords, social engineering attempts, and other types of password attacks.
• Avoid writing down passwords: Encourage users to employ password managers instead of physical notes or post-its.
• Prevent password reuse: Educate users about the dangers of reusing passwords or simple variations (e.g., changing only a number or website name).
• Check for breached passwords: Reusing strong passwords on personal devices, sites, or applications with weak security can still put them at risk of being compromised. By using tools to regularly scan your Active Directory for compromised passwords, you can detect and reduce potential threats.
• Length over complexity: Use longer passwords or passphrases is an effective way to protect against password attacks. Focus on length over complexity requirements.

A better defense against password attacks

Secure your Active Directory with tools like Specops Password Policy, which allows you to personalize your password guidelines to fit the unique requirements of your organization and maintain compliance with industry norms. Also continuously scan and block over 4 billion unique compromised passwords 24/7 rather than just at password change.

With an interface that is easy for end-users to navigate provides the proper guidance to employees on how to create strong passwords that adhere to company policies, while still maintaining usability. This will lower your support burden by giving end users a better security experience.

Want to learn more about building a layered defense against attacks?

Get in touch to speak to a Specops expert.

Sponsored and written by Specops Software.