Hackers can use different techniques to steal your passwords. One way they can use your stolen personal data is called credential stuffing. Read on to learn more about what credential stuffing entails and how you can help protect yourself.
Credential Stuffing Defined
Credential stuffing is a type of security breach in which hackers use stolen lists containing usernames and passwords and try to gain unauthorized access. It’s also known as “breach replay” or “list cleaning.” According to Microsoft’s Tech Community, hackers try credential stuffing on tens of millions of accounts on a daily basis.
How Does Credential Stuffing Work?
Not all sites are developed equal, and data breaches take place easily on websites with poor security protocols. Cybercriminals regularly hack such websites and can steal user credentials in the form of lists. They then try the same username and passwords on multiple websites to gain unauthorized access. The reason why credential stuffing actually works is that people reuse the same password across multiple websites. This way, hackers can gain access to those websites that have strong security protocols.
How to Avoid Credential Stuffing?
The best way to avoid credential stuffing is not only to use strong but also unique passwords on each website. In case if one of your passwords is stolen, that won’t allow a hacker to access your information on any other account. Moreover, you also don’t have to remember each unique password by heart as you can use a good password manager that remembers every password for you.