Unlike traditional brute force attacks, password spraying is like a "hit and run" — it spreads out the attempts across many accounts, making it harder for security systems to catch on!
Welcome to our Cyber Security Awareness Series!
In this post #15, let's review the details related to Password spraying.
What is Password Spraying?
- Password spraying is a type of cyberattack where hackers try a few common passwords across many accounts instead of targeting one account with many password attempts.
- This method is more subtle than traditional brute force attacks, which focus on breaking into a single account by guessing numerous passwords.
- The aim of password spraying is to avoid detection, bypassing security measures like account lockouts to access multiple accounts.
How Password Spraying Works
- Target Identification: Attackers begin by compiling a list of usernames. This can be accomplished through various means, such as purchasing stolen credentials from the dark web or harvesting usernames from social media platforms. Often, attackers use predictable email formats (ex: firstname.lastname@companyname.com) to generate potential usernames based on company directories.
- Password Selection: Next, the attackers select a small set of common passwords, often those that are simplistic or widely used (ex: Password123," "123456," "qwerty," or "Welcome2025”). This selection process is crucial as it allows the attacker to maximize their chances of success while minimizing the risk of detection.
- Execution of the Attack: The attacker systematically attempts to log in using each password against all identified usernames. By trying one password for multiple accounts before moving on to the next password, they avoid triggering account lockouts that typically occur with rapid repeated attempts on a single account.
- Automation: To enhance efficiency and reduce detection risks, attackers frequently utilize automated tools designed for password spraying. These tools can manage session states and log successful or unsuccessful attempts, allowing attackers to scale their efforts significantly.
Why Password Spraying Works
- Bypassing Lockouts: The attack targets multiple accounts using one password at a time, preventing the triggering of security measures that lock accounts after multiple failed login attempts.
- Exploiting Weak Passwords: Many users choose weak or default passwords, making them easy targets for this attack. Organizations without strong password policies are especially at risk.
- Discreet Approach: The slow and deliberate nature of password spraying allows attackers to avoid detection by security systems that track unusual login behavior.
How to Protect Against Password Spraying:
1. Strong Password Policies
- Complexity Requirements: Enforce policies requiring strong, unique passwords that include a mix of upper and lower case letters, numbers, and special characters.
- Password Blacklists: Prevent the use of commonly used passwords by implementing a blacklist or using password strength checkers to ensure passwords are not easily guessable.
- Regular Updates: Mandate regular password changes to minimize the risk of compromised credentials.
2. Account Lockout Mechanisms
- Threshold Settings: Set reasonable limits on failed login attempts (ex: 3 to 5 attempts) before locking accounts temporarily (ex: for 5–15 minutes) or requiring additional verification like CAPTCHA.
- Progressive Lockouts: Increase the lockout duration progressively after each failed attempt to deter repeated login attempts.
3. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
- Implementation: Require MFA for all user accounts, adding an extra layer of security that significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access even if passwords are compromised.
4. Monitoring and Analyzing Login Activity
- SIEM Tools: Utilize Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems to monitor login attempts and detect unusual patterns indicative of password spraying.
- Alert Systems: Set up alerts for multiple failed login attempts across different accounts within a short timeframe to quickly identify potential attacks.
- Login Attempt Controls: Implement rate limiting for login attempts to prevent excessive login attempts from a single source within a specified time frame, effectively slowing down attackers.
6. User Education and Security Awareness
- Training Programs: Conduct regular training sessions to educate users on the importance of strong passwords, recognizing phishing attempts, and enabling MFA wherever possible.
- Legitimacy Checks: Introduce CAPTCHA challenges after several failed login attempts to ensure that subsequent login attempts are made by legitimate users rather than automated scripts.
What to Do If You Suspect a Password Spraying Attack
- Reset User Passwords: Immediately encourage users to update their passwords to block unauthorized access.
- Update Software: Ensure all software and systems are current to fix potential security gaps.
- Review Security Logs: Check logs for any suspicious activity and investigate further if needed.
- Enable Account Lockouts: Temporarily lock accounts showing unusual activity to prevent further breaches.
- Conduct a Security Audit: Perform a thorough review of security protocols to identify and address vulnerabilities.
- Boost User Awareness: Provide quick training on spotting phishing attacks and the importance of strong, unique passwords.
- Monitor for Further Attacks: Set up continuous monitoring to track suspicious login patterns and detect future threats.
By increasing awareness and implementing robust security measures, organizations can significantly reduce their vulnerability to password spraying attacks.
