Block Credential Stuffing Attacks

Block credential stuffing attacks using stolen login credentials is known as a “credential stuffing” attack. These attacks are a common and costly attack type used against e-commerce sites, fintech platforms, online banking services, and subscription content providers such as streaming media services. Attackers monetize compromised accounts by making unauthorized transactions, spreading malware, or reselling access to subscribers. A successful credential stuffing attack can also destroy a business’s reputation with customers, driving them away to competitors, and leave the company exposed to expensive fines for violating data protection laws like GDPR or CCPA.

The first step in a credential stuffing attack is to collect login information from various sources. Hackers often acquire this data from data breaches or by buying it on the dark web. From there, the attackers then use this large quantity of stolen credentials to try logging in at many different accounts. A high volume of failed login attempts is a clear indicator that something unusual is happening.

Advanced Mobile Fraud Detection: How to Stay Ahead of Cybercriminals

A business can prevent these attacks by promoting good password practices and adding additional security features to protect account credentials. For example, requiring multi-factor authentication (MFA) for accessing an account, such as entering a one-time code sent to a user’s phone or a biometric verification method, can help stop attackers from exploiting compromised accounts. Enabling login security enhancements like IP blacklisting, CAPTCHA challenges, and rate limiting controls can also reduce the ability of automated bots to execute credential stuffing attacks at scale.