A Comprehensive Look into Password Attacks and How to Stop Them

There are some things you want to keep private such as your bank account number, government ID number, etc. In the digital age, that includes the passwords that protect these accounts because once your account credentials are compromised, cybercriminals can get that information. That is why password attacks have become so prominent today.

What is a Password Attack?

Simply put, a password attack definition encompasses various methods malicious actors attempt to breach a system or account by compromising user credentials. These intrusions often target weaknesses in authentication systems or take advantage of easily predictable or commonly used passwords.

As Gartner notes, "unauthorized users deploy software or other hacking techniques to identify common and reused passwords they can exploit to gain access to confidential systems, data or assets." Norton defines a password attack as "a cyberattack method where an attacker attempts to gain unauthorized access to a system by cracking or guessing the password of a user account"

Why Password Attacks are a Growing Threat

Microsoft Entra data shows that attempted password attacks have increased to 4,000 per second on average. Passwords too often serve as the only line of defense protecting critical online accounts and compromised accounts. The compromise of this single line of defense can lead to to significant financial gains, identity theft, or access to sensitive information. In addition to the lure of the prize, password attacks continue to increase in frequency for other reasons as well:

• The vast number of online services requiring passwords
• People continue to reuse passwords across multiple accounts.
• The proliferation of password cracking tools and the growing amount of leaked credential databases on the dark web has lowered the barrier of entry for novice attackers
• Experienced cybercriminals are utilizing advanced tools and AI-powered techniques for password cracking and phishing

Understanding Password Vulnerabilities

Common Weaknesses in Password Security

Despite the efforts of password education, the truth is that the human element remains a significant weak point in password security. Too many users continue to employ easily guessable passwords or reuse the same password across multiple accounts. At the same time, there are still organizations that don't enforce strong password policies or continue to allow default or common passwords on devices. For instance, systems without proper lockout policies or rate-limiting login attempts are vulnerable to automated guessing attacks. Additional weaknesses include insecure password reset procedures that rely on easily guessable security questions, as well as the absence of multifactor authentication to enhance password security.

How Hackers Exploit Weak Passwords

The concept behind a password attack is straightforward. Given enough time, an attacker can simply try all password combinations until a correct password is found. The simpler the password, the faster this process can be completed. Sometimes, it can be as straightforward as guessing a set of commonly used passwords to target the low-hanging fruit. Some of the popular attack methodologies utilized by attackers today include brute force attacks, credential stuffing and password spraying.

While some users may think they are being "clever" by substituting numbers or characters for letters such as "p@ssW0rd" while randomizing lower- and uppercase, this practice is well known to hackers. Hackers don't always have to guess passwords either. They can purchase or trade password databases on the dark web or install keylogging malware on a victim's computer to record keystrokes and capture their password inputs. One of these source, called rockyou.txt is used in hacking toolkits and contains about 13 million password variations, including the example above.

Statistics on Password-Related Breaches

A leading password management solution provider reports that the average employee enters a password for authentication on websites and applications 154 times each month. With such a dependency on passwords, you would think that password security would be more robust. Unfortunately, the statistics paint a different picture.

• In 2022, there were 24+ Billion Credentials circulating on the Dark WebPoor passwords can be pointed out as the reason for almost 81% of company data breaches.
• 41% of people have admitted to reusing passwords on multiple accounts.
• Companies lose $480 worth of productivity per employee per year due to the time spent dealing with password problems
• 65% more passwords were compromised in 2022 compared to 2020

Perhaps the most alarming statistic is this. Despite all the known risks of password vulnerabilities, the most popular password in 2023 was "123456".

Types of Password Attacks

Understanding password attack types is essential for building effective defenses, as each type requires unique prevention strategies.

Brute Force Attack

A brute force attack exploits weak passwords using automated tools. Here, an attacker systematically tries all possible password combinations until the correct one is found. This is accomplished using automated tools. Prevention steps are just as straight forward for this attack.

• Use strong complex passwords that are difficult to guess and unique for each account.
• Enforce account lockout policies that trigger after a specified number of failed login attempts.
• Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) for additional verification
• Block IP addresses that show suspicious login activity

Dictionary Attack

Unlike brute force attack that will attempt every possible password combination, a dictionary attack uses a predefined list of common words, phrases, or character combinations listed in a dictionary or word list. Dictionary attacks are more efficient, consume fewer computational resources, and can be customized

You can prevent these attacks using measures such as:

• Using a password of at least 12 characters long that uses a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols
• Watch for failed login attempts or unusual access patterns and set up alerts for potentially compromised accounts
• Integrate an MFA solution to require an additional form of verification
• Lock accounts after a certain number of failed login attempts to slow down repeated login attempts
• If unsure whether an password currently in use is already listed in dictionaries, check it with trusted, reputable services like https://haveibeenpwned.com/Passwords

Phishing Attacks

Phishing remains one of the primary delivery mechanisms for many types of cyberattacks including password attacks. These include:

• Email phishing: Attackers send deceptive emails impersonating legitimate organizations to convince users to click on an embedded link to a fake login page to capture entered passwords or attachments that contain malware to steal stored passwords.
• SMS phishing: These are fraudulent text messages sent to mobile devices that claim to come from financial institutions or other trusted entities. The message usually includes a shortened URL leading to a phishing website.
• Voice-based phishing or Vishing: Attackers use phone calls to manipulate victims into divulging passwords by impersonating IT support, bank representatives, or government officials.

Fortunately, there are some ways you can recognize phishing attacks:

• Read all messages carefully and look for slight misspellings or additions to legitimate company names. Be wary of generic greetings like "Dear Customer" instead of your name.
• Be wary of requests for sensitive information as legitimate companies will rarely if ever use email or text to ask for passwords, account numbers or personal ID numbers.
• Be suspicious of messages that create a sense of urgency or paint dire consequences if you don't respond quickly.
• Don't open attachments you weren't expecting, even if they appear to be from a known source.

Keylogger Attack

If an attacker doesn't want to take the time to guess your password, they can install a keylogger on your device to capture your keystrokes and record them. They can then review the recording to find when you keyed in passwords, credit card numbers or other sensitive information. Some of the ways to prevent this keyloggers from being installed on your devices include:

• Install a reputable antivirus or anti-malware program Avoid downloading software from untrusted sources.
• Avoid downloading software from untrusted sources and be wary of suspicious email attachments
• Use on-screen keyboards when entering sensitive data to bypass physical keystroke logging.
• Conduct regular security scans.
• Regularly perform full system scans to detect any hidden malware.

Man-in-the-Middle Attack (MitM)

The idea here is for the attacker to capture any data transmitted over an network and look for passwords. This can be done using fake WIFI spots that allow them to monitor traffic, DNS spoofing to redirect users to fake websites, or session hijacking to steal session cookies and gain unauthorized access to accounts without needing the password.

The best way to mitigate MitM risks is to enforce strong encryption using HTTPS across all web applications (and heed any warning of an 'untrusted' or wrong certificate) and services as well as secure protocols for data transmission. Additional measures such as MFA, strong password policies and requiring secure VPN connections when connecting to public WIFI can prove highly effective as well.

Credential Stuffing

There are lists of usernames and passwords for sale on the dark web. These credential collections were seized during data breaches. Because users continue to recycle the same passwords for all their accounts, these lists of compromised credentials can be used in credential stuffing attacks against popular websites. The idea is that if they know your credentials for a retailer that was compromised earlier, the same credentials may work on other online retailers, popular social media sites, or large financial institutions.

The most effective way to protect against credential stuffing is to use unique passwords for each account. Using a password manager will eliminate the need for users to remember multiple passwords by allowing them to rely on just one master password. Other defense mechanisms include the use of MFA, account lockout policies, bot detection solutions and dark web monitoring.

Password Spraying

Unlike traditional brute force attacks and dictionary attacks that involve trying many passwords against a single account, password spraying targets many accounts with just a few passwords. Rather than rotate through a list of passwords, they rotate through known usernames using the most common passwords.

To protect against password spraying attacks, organizations can implement several effective prevention strategies:

• Require users to create complex passwords that are difficult to guess and implement policies that prohibit the use of common passwords and phrases.
• Use MFA across all accounts, requiring users to provide additional verification methods beyond just a password.
• Regularly review authentication logs for unusual patterns, such as a high volume of failed login attempts across multiple accounts.
• Deploy advanced security solutions that monitor user behavior for signs of compromise, such as unusual login attempts or patterns indicative of password spraying

Rainbow Table Attack

Rainbow tables are special tools used by hackers to quickly find out what passwords are behind certain encrypted codes (hashes). When you create a password, it gets turned into a hash, which is a fixed-length code that looks nothing like the original password. Attackers attempt to decode rainbow tables using a variety of techniques to reverse-engineer hashed passwords.

To protect such decoding attempts, use modern and secure hashing algorithms that are designed to be slow and computationally intensive. This makes it far more difficult for attackers to generate rainbow tables. Then continue to stay informed about advancements in cryptographic hash functions and update your systems to use the most secure methods available.

Online Password Attacks vs. Offline Password Attacks

What is an Online Password Attack?

An online password attack involves trying various username and password combinations against a login portal in hopes of guessing the correct credentials. They are typically launched against individuals and organizations that may have weak password policies.

Examples of Online Attacks

Many of the password attacks outlined in this article can be used in online attacks. These include brute force, dictionary, credential stuffing, and keyloggers.

What is an Offline Password Attack?

An offline password attack is a method used by attackers to gain access to user accounts by cracking password hashes rather than attempting to log in directly to a system. This type of attack typically occurs after an attacker has already obtained a password file or database that contains hashed versions of user passwords. The Netwrix Attack Catalog lists 'Pass the Hash' as a prominent example.

How Offline Attacks Differ and Why They're Dangerous

What makes offline attacks particularly dangerous is the fact that they often go unnoticed because they do not interact with the target system in real-time. This allows attackers to operate without raising alarms, making it harder for security teams to detect and respond to the threat. Because offline attacks do not involve repeated login attempts against a live system, account lockout mechanisms are not triggered. This allows an attack to work without restrictions.

Preventing Password Attacks

The following protection measures can help your organization protect its employees against password attacks.

• Implementing Strong Password Policies: The mere act of enforcing strong password policies will go a long way to protect against password attack. Such policies should require users to create complex, unique passwords of new less than 12 characters that are difficult for attackers to guess
• Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): MFA requires users to provide two or more verification methods so that a compromised password by itself will not be enough for an attacker to gain access to a user account.
• Using Password Managers: A password manager is a local or cloud-based application that allows users to use a different password for every online account. The application securely stores these passwords in an encrypted vault and automatically fills in the credentials during authentication attempts.
• Passwordless Authentication Options: Passwordless authentication options protect against password attacks by eliminating the need for passwords altogether, which means there is no password to intercept or steal between users and the authentication system. Examples include a fingerprint scanner or facial recognition.
• Network Access Control (NAC) and Monitoring: One way to circumvent password attacks is to ensure that only authorized devices can access the network. This means that even if an attacker has the correct credentials in hand, they cannot authenticate from a non-authorized device. Continuous monitoring of network activity can identify and isolate suspicious behavior in real-time, allowing security teams to respond quickly to potential breaches and prevent attackers from exploiting vulnerabilities.

Real-World Examples of Password Attacks

Case Studies of Major Data Breaches

• In November, GoDaddy reported a security breach affecting over 1.2 million WordPress customers. An attacker used a compromised password to access GoDaddy's Managed WordPress hosting environment, exposing customer email addresses, numbers, some SSL private keys, and original WordPress Admin passwords. GoDaddy has since reset the affected passwords and SSL certificates.

• In 2023, Las Vegas casinos MGM Resorts and Caesars Entertainment were targeted by ransomware attacks that leveraged social engineering tactics, particularly vishing (voice phishing). The attackers impersonated employees to trick IT support into resetting passwords, which allowed them unauthorized access to critical systems. MGM faced significant operational disruptions affecting hotel key cards and slot machines, estimating losses of about $100 million. Caesars experienced a breach of its loyalty program database containing sensitive customer information.

• In late November 2023, aa Russian state-sponsored hacking group, Midnight Blizzard (Nobelium), launched a sophisticated attack on Microsoft using a password spray technique. They compromised a legacy non-production test tenant account to gain initial access and establish a foothold in Microsoft's systems. The attackers then accessed a small percentage of corporate email accounts, including those of senior leadership, cybersecurity, and legal team members to exfiltrate information.

Lessons Learned from These Incidents

These case studies highlight the persistent vulnerability of password security and underscore the critical need for strict verification procedures in password resets and account access changes. Given the likelihood of password compromise, enforcing the principle of lest privilege to restrict access rights for users to the minimum necessary to perform their jobs is a key supportive security measure. Legacy equipment continues to be a real issue and a vigilant attention to patching and updating is imperative. This is also where conducting regular security scans can identify your weak points while continuous 24/7 monitoring enables IT and security teams to swiftly address unusual and suspicious events, forming a comprehensive approach to cybersecurity.

The Future of Password Security

The Evolution of Password Attacks

Early password attacks involved simple guessing and dictionary attacks but have now evolved to automated brute force methods that systematically try all combinations. Advanced machine learning algorithms are now employed by attackers to generate more sophisticated and probable password guesses, enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of their attacks. Cybercriminals have broadened their attack vectors to exploit vulnerabilities in password reset mechanisms to take advantage of sometimes weaker security measures in password recovery processes. In regard to social engineering, cybercriminals continue to come up with new ways to trick users into revealing passwords.

Emerging Technologies for Password Protection

Emerging technologies continue to focus on passwordless authentication methods that enhance security while also simplifying the authentication process for users. These methods include biometric authentication, FIDO2 standards, and USB security tokens, which require users to authenticate using devices they possess, such as hardware security keys or mobile phones. Additionally, one-time passwords (OTPs) sent via SMS or email provide a secure, single-use alternative that does not rely on static passwords. By adopting these innovative approaches, organizations can significantly reduce the risks associated with traditional password-based systems while improving overall user convenience.

Are Passwords Becoming Obsolete?

There is no doubt that the effectiveness of passwords is waning from both a risk and management perspective. In some instances, passwords are gradually being replaced by more secure alternatives like passkeys while biometric authentication methods are gaining traction. Despite advancements made in this field, passwords will remain widely used for their familiarity and the extensive legacy systems that still rely on them. While passwords themselves may not be going away, the practice of relying on them alone seems to be coming to an end thanks to MFA.

How Netwrix Can Help

To mitigate the risks associated with password attacks, organizations need advanced tools that can proactively monitor, detect, and respond to suspicious password activity.

Netwrix Password Secure offers a robust solution for enhancing password security. With real-time alerts, comprehensive reporting, and an intuitive interface, it enables organizations to identify and address password vulnerabilities before they lead to a breach. By enforcing strong password policies and ensuring compliance with industry standards, Netwrix Password Secure helps organizations maintain a resilient defense against password-related threats and secure their IT environments.

See Netwrix Password Secure in Action

Book a one-to-one demo to get started with Netwrix

Conclusion

Passwords are a real challenge today and they deserve the attention of any digital organization. You should assume that someone out there is trying to compromise your online accounts using some type of password attack. These types of attacks are lodged against organizations every day.

The good news is that many of the prevention steps are easy enough for most organizations to implement. It also requires that users take responsibility in using good password hygiene and monitor their accounts. to recognize that current prevention methods may not effectively safeguard against the evolving attacks of the future. Ultimately, the sooner your organization can reduce its reliance on passwords, the more secure it will be.

FAQs

What is password attack with example?

A password attack refers to techniques used by cybercriminals to compromise passwords and gain unauthorized access to systems, networks, or user accounts. An example is a password spraying attack in which an attacker uses a set of common passwords such as "password1" and then uses automated tools to try them across a large number of user accounts on a popular online system.

What are the most common password attacks?

The most common types of password attacks include brute force attacks and dictionary attacks in which the password is guessed by the attacker. Other popular methodologies used by attackers include credential stuffing, phishing attacks, password spraying and key logging.

What are the signs of password attack?

While password attacks are very common and present a real threat, there are multiple key signs that you can look for that may indicate a password attack is underway. These include

• An unusually large number of login attempts within a brief timeframe
• A sudden spike in failed login attempts across multiple user accounts
• Unusual login activity from accounts that are typically dormant or no longer exist
• Consistent failed attempts across many accounts using the same password
• Multiple login attempts from unexpected geographic locations or IP addresses
• A surge in the number of accounts being locked out due to exceeding failed login attempt thresholds
• Login attempts occurring outside of normal business hours

What is the difference between a password attack and a brute force attack?

A brute force attack is a type of password attack that employs a systematic trial-and-error approach to guessing passwords by attempting all possible combinations. Password attacks encompass a broader range of techniques aimed at compromising user account authentication. such as dictionary attacks, credential stuffing and password spraying. Each of these methods represents a different strategy within the larger category of password attacks, with brute force being just one of many approaches attackers may use.

What is a password cyber attack?

The ultimate goal of a password cyberattack is to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data, financial information, or systems for various malicious purposes. This is done using some type of password attack methodology to compromise the password of an account. Some common types of password attacks include brute force attacks, password spraying, credential stuffing and key logging. These techniques exploit vulnerabilities in password systems, user behavior, or both to breach account security.

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