Six Types of Password Attacks & How to Stop Them
Password attacks are one of the most common ways hackers break into personal and business accounts. About 81% of data breaches in 2020 were due to weak or stolen passwords, according to the internet sources.
The issue is that passwords can only be so complex before they become hard to remember, so people often stick with simple ones. Hackers know this and take advantage. As long as we rely on passwords, they’ll stay a popular target.
Here’s how you can keep your accounts secure from password attacks.
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Phishing
Phishing is when a hacker imitates a reliable source, like your bank or coworker, to trick you into sharing personal information. It’s usually done via email, text, or phone with fake links or attachments.
Common Types of Phishing are:
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Regular Phishing
You get an email that looks legit, maybe from “goodwebsite.com,” asking you to reset your password. But it’s a fake link, and when you enter your info, the hacker gets access.
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Spear Phishing
A targeted message that appears to be from a colleague or friend. It’s usually brief and includes a harmful attachment or link.
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Smishing & Vishing
Scammers text or call, pretending to be from your bank or another trusted source, warning of “suspicious activity” and asking for account information.
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Whaling
Hackers pose as executives or high-ranking officials to trick employees into sending sensitive company information.
How to Protect Yourself:
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Check the sender’s address
Look carefully, as scammers often use somewhat misspelled or suspicious email addresses.
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Don’t rely on urgent messages.
If something feels off, contact the sender via a trusted method instead of replying or clicking links.
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Ask IT for help
If you’re unsure whether something is genuine, your IT team can verify it for you. Better safe than sorry.
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Man-in-the-Middle Attack
A man-in-the-middle (MitM) attack occurs when a hacker interrupts data between two parties, like eavesdropping on a private conversation. For instance, Equifax had to recall apps in 2017 due to uncertain data transfers.
Here is how you can prevent MitM attacks:
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Enable encryption on your router
Without it, nearby hackers can use sniffer tools to spy on your data.
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Use strong credentials and two-factor authentication
Default router logins are easy targets—if a hacker gets in, they can hijack your traffic.
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Use a VPN
It creates a secure tunnel, ensuring the servers you send data to are trusted and encrypted.
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Brute Force Attack
If a password is equal to using a key to open a door, a brute force attack is using a battering ram. A brute force attack is like using a battering ram to break into an account; hackers can try billions of username/password combinations in seconds.
To help avoid brute force attacks:
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Use complex passwords
Lengthier, mixed-case, and character-diverse passwords are far challenging to crack.
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Enable remote access management.
Tools like Credentius (password manager) help track and block suspicious login attempts.
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Require multi-factor authentication (MFA)
Adds an extra security layer, blocking hackers with a second authentication step.
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Dictionary Attack
A dictionary attack is a type of brute force hack that uses lists of common words—or even personal details like your pet’s name- to guess your password. Since many people use simple or known words, these attacks can be remarkably effective.
Here is how you can secure yourself:
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Avoid real words in passwords
If it’s in a dictionary or meaningful to you, don’t use it.
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Use a password manager.
It can create and store strong, random passwords for you.
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Enable Account Lockout After Failures
A few wrong tries should trigger a timeout to stop recurrent guessing.
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Credential Stuffing
This attack happens when hackers use stolen usernames and passwords from previous data breaches to try logging into other accounts, banking on the fact that numerous people reuse passwords and don’t modify them after a hack.
This is how you can avoid credential stuffing.
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Check for breaches
Use free tools to see if your email or passwords have been leaked.
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Change your passwords regularly
If a password’s been around for a while, it’s time for an update.
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Use a password manager.
It creates robust, unique passwords for every account, making it much challenging for hackers to get in.
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Keyloggers
Keyloggers are devious programs (or even tiny hardware devices) that record every keystroke you make, such as passwords or messages, and send them to hackers. They usually get installed when you download something that looks secure but isn’t.
To safeguard yourself from keyloggers:
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Check your hardware
If someone has physical access to your computer, they could plug in a hidden keylogger. Know what’s linked to your setup.
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Run regular antivirus scans.
Good antivirus software can identify and eliminate known keyloggers before they cause damage.
Ways to Prevent Password Attacks
The best way to manage a password attack is to stop it before it occurs. Talk to your IT expert about setting up a proactive security policy that includes:
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Multi-factor authentication
Use a device or token for extra verification, so passwords aren’t the only barrier.
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Remote access
Confirm user identity before granting access.
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Biometrics
Add fingerprints or facial recognition for extra security, making it harder for hackers to get through.
Final Thoughts
Password attacks are a real threat, but with the right defenses like multi-factor authentication and strong passwords, you can secure your accounts. Managing these passwords could be challenging, but Credentius makes it easy. As a safe, user-friendly password manager, Credentius keeps, generates, and safeguards your passwords across devices with encryption, ensuring your data is secure. Whether for personal use or business, Credentius streamlines password management, offering peace of mind and stronger security.
Get Advanced Protection Against Password Attacks
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