Credential Stuffing

Credential stuffing is a type of cyber attack where attackers use stolen account credentials—typically usernames and passwords—to gain unauthorized access to user accounts across various platforms. This is done through automated systems that allow hackers to attempt a large volume of logins in a short period.

The process generally involves two main steps:

Types of Credential Stuffing Attacks:

Credential stuffing exploits the common practice of password reuse—where individuals use the same password across several different accounts. Because of this, even if the original compromised website is of relatively low value, the same credentials might be used to access more sensitive accounts such as banking, email, or social media profiles.

Overall, credential stuffing is a significant security threat because it leverages the scale of previous data breaches to potentially compromise the security of accounts across the web. It is a clear example of why digital security hygiene, such as not reusing passwords across sites and enabling MFA, is crucial in safeguarding personal and organizational data online.