Credential stuffing is a type of cyberattack where hackers take an extensive database of usernames and passwords and use it to try to stuff the account logins into other web applications by using automated processes. The usernames and passwords, in most cases, are stolen through data breaches. When it comes to credential stuffing, the fraudster uses access to the consumer account to make fraudulent purchases. They also conduct phishing attacks, steal information and money. The credential stuffing is dangerous mainly to consumers who use the same login information on various accounts. You will be giving access to the cyber thieves to all those accounts by using one swipe.
Not Able To Access Your Account
One of the signs that you are dealing with a credential stuffing attack is not to access your account. If you try to log in and get a message that the login information is not correct, you might be dealing with a credential stuffing attack.
Get Notification of Locked Account
In case the fraudsters make many attempts to access your account and fail, then the account might be locked. Having your account locked due to too many login attempts you did not make is a sign that fraudsters are trying to access your account.
Updated Account
You will also learn credential stuffing when you get an email that your password was changed without your consent. If you get notified that the password was changed, it means that fraudsters are attempting to access your account.
Not Getting Email
Another way you can learn about the account stuffing attack is when you stop getting email notifications. If that is the case, then the email was changed to notify the hackers directly.
What Are The Dangers Of Credential Stuffing?
According to research, about 53% of consumers use the same passwords on different accounts. When the information is exposed to the hackers, they will be in a position to access most of your data. That means the criminals will have all the information that is found in the various accounts. If that is the case, you will not be at risk of getting account takeover fraud but will also fall victim to credit card fraud, tax fraud, medical identity theft.
What Do Fraudsters Do After Credential Stuffing Attacks?
Find out what the fraudsters will do after getting your credentials:
Download A Combo List
A combo list is a leaked credential that is found from corporate breaches that have been conducted in the past. This information is available free within the hacking communities or is sold in underground markets.
Upload A Credential Stuffing Tool
The next step is where the hackers develop plugin tools known as account hacker tools. These tools have custom configurations and are used to test the list of usernames and passwords against various websites. Depending on the stuffing devices that they use, the hackers can attack the sites one by one by hitting many sites at once.
Analyse And Access Accounts
The hackers will use the account-checking software to log into their financial accounts.
Export The Results Found
In case the fraudsters find any match, they can use it to view the account balance of the victim and access cash, rewards point, and any virtual currencies.
Steal Access
Since the hackers are using real credentials, they gain access that is not accessed. When they do this, the next step has a fully-fledged account takeover.
Resale Of The Accounts
After they are done with the credential stuffing attack, the next step is to sell the access to other cybercriminals.
Ways to Prevent Stuffing Attacks
Though credential stuffing attacks are destructive, you can project your business or keep your data safe on the internet. Here are ways you can use to prevent credential stuffing attacks.
Bot Detection
One of the ways you can use to prevent credential stuffing attacks is by using account takeover prevention software. Another way you can detect bots is by using a captcha. By doing this, you will be able to offer defense against some basic attacks from bots. But, you need to note that captcha can be automated. Thus, you might have to use reCaptcha.
Strong Password Guide
The other method you can use to prevent credential stuffing is by adapting a strong user password. When you set up a password for your account, avoid using the common passwords that can be easily hacked. Besides, you should not use the same passwords in all the accounts. Ensure that you create a system where you tell your users to use a strong password.
Risk-Based Authentication
The use of risk-based authentication is where you calculate the risk score based on a predefined set of rules. You can make use of anything from IP reputation, related login devices, user identity details, geolocation, personal characteristics, geo velocity, or the number of failed attempts. This will help you notice if there is a suspicious activity that is taking place in certain accounts. If so, you will be able to come up with the best strategies to protect the system.
Two-Factor Authentication
The use of two-factor authentication can be used to offer an extra layer of security because it needs more than one thing for you to access the account. Besides the password, you can generate-authenticator app that can be sent to the user’s phone or a one-time pin that should be texted on the phone. You can also use a fingerprint option when setting up the account.
Change Your Password Regularly
In case you have not changed your password recently, it is time for you to do it. IF your credentials have been compromised, you can stop the stuffing attack and its effect by changing your passwords. When you do this, the attackers will no longer manage to access your personal information.
Conclusion
Credential stuffing is easy to do, and it is no wonder it is popular with criminals. It does not matter the size of your business; as long as you have data that the hackers can use, you are prone to be hacked. For that reason, you ought to protect your website and watch out for any red flags.
