Brute force attacks like password spraying have been on the uptick recently, according to Microsoft's team of experts. Although only about 1% of these attacks are successful, they can be devastating. Affected companies often suffer serious financial and reputational damage.
Knowing how to identify active password spraying attacks can help you mitigate risk. It can also help you prevent future attacks.
Password spraying is a type of brute force attack that involves malicious actors attempting to log in to as many accounts as possible using the same password for each attempt. This is also sometimes referred to as the "low-and-slow" method.
Usually, an attacker will begin by gaining access to a list of usernames for your organization or for specific applications. They may also buy stolen credentials posted on the dark web. Then, they'll attempt to log in to each account from several different IP addresses using the same common or default passwords for each round of attempts.
Because the attackers are spreading a smaller quantity of attempts across a larger quantity of accounts, they are harder to detect, which improves the attacker's chances of gaining access. This helps to avoid the account lockouts that will often occur when attackers use a brute force attack on a single account by trying many passwords. Hackers also often automate this process to be more efficient.
Typically, attackers will target systems or applications where new users log in with a default password. New users, or those who forget to set new passwords, are at the most risk.
Other targets can include:
Once they have entered your system, an attacker usually aims to cause as much damage as possible. Even though they can only access a single account, attackers can leverage it to steal sensitive information or spread malware in companywide emails. Proactive vigilance is critical for mitigating these risks.
If an intruder manages to get deep enough into your organization's system, the damage can be catastrophic. Here are some of the ways password spraying attacks can harm businesses of any size:
Taking proactive steps to prevent and detect attacks is the most effective solution. Password protection technologies and employee training are key tools for bolstering your protections.
Password spray attacks depend on people being careless with their passwords, either using the same ones for multiple accounts, or creating weak passwords. Implementing robust security policies and controls can help you protect against these and other brute-force attacks. Some examples of helpful protections include:
Additionally, administrators and applications that use default passwords for new users should require users to change their passwords after their first login.
There are three telltale signs of a password spraying attack:
If you think you have an attack on your hands, you must act immediately to minimize damages. Here are the two main steps you need to take:
It can also be beneficial to seek out incident response and forensics services. After an attack, it can be difficult to determine how much of your system was breached and what data was stolen or compromised. Additionally, subsequent attacks like phishing emails may have exposed your system further. Consulting with a reliable expert can help you recover from an attack and strengthen your defenses for the future.
Creating a strong incident response plan, mitigating risks, and training employees on an ongoing basis are critical steps for mitigating cybersecurity incidents. And with the recent rise in attacks, the best thing you can do for your company is to consult with cybersecurity professionals.
At Compass IT Compliance, we have more than a decade of experience in IT security, compliance, and risk management. Whatever your industry, you can count on our expert team to help you protect your organization against attack. Contact us today online or call us at (401) 353-3024 to learn more!