Credential Stuffing Attacks | Managed Cyber Security – Technologist

The threat of cyber attacks, particularly credential stuffing attacks, is looming large over UK businesses and demands immediate attention. The credential stuffing method, which involves cybercriminals using stolen usernames and passwords from one platform to gain unauthorised access to others, is a serious threat. It relies on the all-too-common habit of reusing passwords across multiple accounts, exploiting weak credentials to devastating effect.

How much of a cyber threat is credential stuffing?

Recent reports indicate a concerning trend: while there has been a slight decrease in the exploitation of weak credentials through credential stuffing and brute force attacks, these methods still accounted for a significant 24% of all data breaches in the UK in 2024. This figure, derived from the DBIR 2024 report, underscores the persistent and ongoing danger posed by such attacks, especially within vital sectors like finance, retail, and healthcare.

Which large UK Businesses have been affected so far?

Cybercriminals do not sleep or discriminate; they are always waiting to attack. High-profile incidents highlight the severity of the issue. Take, for instance, the breach at 23andMe, where a credential-stuffing campaign compromised 14,000 user accounts and exposed the sensitive information of millions more. Similarly, Dixons Carphone suffered a breach affecting millions of personal records and payment details due to hackers exploiting vulnerabilities through malicious software.

The popularity of credential stuffing can be attributed to several factors

Firstly, stolen credentials are readily available on illicit online marketplaces, providing attackers easy access to a vast pool of potential targets. Secondly, the method boasts a high success rate because many users continue to reuse weak passwords across multiple platforms, inadvertently facilitating unauthorised access. Thirdly, automated tools enable attackers to execute large-scale credential-stuffing attacks efficiently, further exacerbating the problem.

How to protect against these risks?

Mitigating these risks requires a multi-faceted approach. Businesses and individuals must prioritise using strong, unique passwords for each account and service, reducing the likelihood of successful credential-stuffing attacks.

Implement Multi-Factor Authentication

Implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds a layer of security, making it significantly harder for unauthorised users to gain entry even if passwords are compromised. Regular monitoring and auditing of login attempts and suspicious activities are crucial in swiftly detecting and responding to potential breaches.

Education also plays a pivotal role. Both employees and customers should be informed about the risks associated with password reuse and phishing attempts, empowering them to adopt safer online practices. Furthermore, maintaining up-to-date software and hardware through regular updates and patches is essential to mitigate vulnerabilities cybercriminals could exploit.

Defending against credential stuffing attacks

In conclusion, while the statistics might show a slight decline in the exploitation of weak credentials through credential stuffing, the threat remains very real and ever-present. However, with vigilance and the implementation of proactive security measures, such as unique passwords and multi-factor authentication, businesses can protect their data, safeguard their reputations, and fortify themselves against the growing and looming spectre of credential stuffing attacks.

Contact Neuways

Contact Neuways for assistance with dealing with credential stuffing attacks and other Managed Cyber Security services. Our experts have years of experience and would always be happy to provide assistance in protecting your business against data.