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Password spraying is a type of brute-force cyberattack that targets multiple user accounts using commonly used or weak passwords. Unlike traditional attacks that repeatedly try different passwords on a single account, password spraying flips the strategy, attempting one password across many accounts to evade lockout mechanisms and avoid detection.

Attackers exploit a widespread problem: poor password hygiene. Many users rely on predictable or reused credentials because managing numerous passwords is overwhelming. That’s why organisations must adopt password management tools as an essential defence.

In this article, we explain how password spraying works, how it differs from other brute-force attacks, and how organisations can defend themselves by adopting password managers, multi-factor authentication (MFA), user education, and monitoring tools.

How Password Spraying Works

Attackers create lists of common passwords, like Winter2024, CompanyName123, or Password!, and test them against large numbers of usernames. They often gather these usernames from public directories or leaked databases.

By limiting attempts to one or two passwords per account, attackers avoid triggering account lockouts. Since they spread attempts across hundreds or thousands of accounts, traditional security systems often miss the attack.

Attackers automate this process, making it scalable and quiet. Both criminal syndicates and nation-state actors use this method because it offers low risk and high reward.

How It Differs from Other Brute-Force Tactics

Password spraying differs from other brute-force methods in these ways:

° Traditional brute-force attacks focus on one account, trying countless password combinations until they gain access or trigger a lockout. ° Credential stuffing uses previously breached username-password pairs to access other systems, banking on users reusing credentials across platforms.

° Password spraying, by contrast, takes a handful of common passwords and tests them across many accounts, reducing the likelihood of detection and maximising reach.

This low-and-slow approach lets attackers persist for weeks or months without being noticed, until they gain access.

Why Password Managers Serve as a First Line of Defence

Expecting users to create and remember strong, unique passwords for every account isn’t realistic. Password managers solve this problem at scale.

Here’s how they protect against password spraying:

° They generate strong, unique passwords for every account, making common password guesses ineffective.

° They eliminate the need for users to memorise passwords, reducing reuse and the temptation to choose easy-to-guess passwords.

° They help organisations enforce strong password policies consistently, without creating user friction.

° Enterprise-grade managers provide auditing and policy controls, giving security teams visibility and control over password practices.

Without password managers, even the best policies often fail. With them, organisations enforce policies effectively and make security usable. Organisations serious about defending against password spraying must treat password management as a foundational security control.

Detecting and Preventing Password Spraying Attacks

To stay ahead of password spraying, organisations must take a proactive stance. That starts with understanding the indicators of such attacks and deploying tools that can detect suspicious patterns, such as repeated login attempts to multiple accounts from a single IP address.

Enforce Strong Password Policies with Supportive Tools

Strong password policies form the security foundation, but users need help following them. Organisations must require complex, unique passwords and regularly update them.

Deploy Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

MFA adds a crucial second verification step, such as a mobile prompt or biometric check. Even if a password is guessed correctly, MFA can prevent unauthorised access.

Conduct Routine Security Audits

Security teams must review authentication logs, access permissions, and password usage to spot suspicious activity. This includes repeated login attempts from single IP addresses across many accounts.

Strengthening Security Beyond the Basics

To build a truly resilient defence against password spraying, organisations must go beyond basic measures and adopt advanced monitoring, user education, and incident response strategies.

Monitor Anomalous Login Behaviour

Set up alerts to flag unusual activities, such as multiple failed logins across accounts or suspicious geographic access. Fine-tuning thresholds avoids false alarms, and behavioural analytics improve detection.

Educate Users on Password Security and Password Managers

People remain the weakest link, but organisations can change that through education. Regular training should cover password best practices, phishing awareness, and how to use password managers effectively.

Develop an Incident Response Plan

Preparation reduces damage. Security teams must create plans to identify, contain, and respond to password spraying attacks. Plans should include notifying affected users, forcing password resets, reviewing logs, and investigating breaches.

Taking Action Against Password Spraying

Password spraying represents a persistent and evolving threat that exploits poor password practices and limited detection capabilities. By understanding how these attacks operate and implementing layered security measures, including password managers, multi-factor authentication, and proactive monitoring, organisations can better protect their digital environments.

If your organisation is looking to improve its resilience against password spraying and other threats, our team is here to help. Contact us today to explore how we can support your security strategy and safeguard your systems from increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks.