What Is Password Spraying

What Is Password Spraying

Cyberattacks aren’t always complex. In many cases, hackers succeed simply because users reuse weak passwords. One of the most effective techniques for exploiting this? Password spraying.

Unlike traditional brute-force attacks that hammer away at a single account, password spraying takes a more subtle approach—and that’s exactly what makes it dangerous. For small to medium businesses (SMBs) in Newcastle, understanding how password spraying works is essential. At Crossover IT, we help local businesses detect and prevent these attacks before they cause damage.

What Is Password Spraying?

Password spraying is a type of brute-force attack, but with a twist. Instead of trying hundreds of passwords against one account (which usually triggers lockouts), hackers try one commonly used password across many accounts. This way, they avoid detection and increase their chances of a successful login.

Here’s how it typically works:

• Attackers use a list of usernames, often sourced from public data breaches.

• They attempt a single weak password—like “Winter2024!”—across every account.

• The process is automated and spread out to avoid raising red flags.

This method exploits poor password habits and often flies under the radar of traditional security systems.

How Is Password Spraying Different from Other Attacks?

Let’s break it down:

Traditional Brute-Force Attacks

Focus on one account and try many password combinations. Easy to spot, easy to block.

Credential Stuffing

Uses real username-password pairs leaked in past breaches. Relies on people reusing passwords across services.

Password Spraying

Tries one password across many accounts. It’s low and slow—deliberate enough to evade account lockouts and detection systems.

This tactic is now being used not just by independent hackers, but by organized cybercriminals and even state-sponsored attackers.

How to Detect and Prevent Password Spraying

Stopping these attacks requires more than just complex passwords. Here's what we recommend:

1. Enforce Strong Password Policies

• Require long, complex passwords (12+ characters, mix of symbols, numbers, and cases).

• Prohibit common passwords like “Welcome123” or “Company2023.”

Use a password manager to help your team create and store secure logins.

2. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Even if a password is guessed, MFA adds a second step that blocks unauthorized access. For SMBs in Newcastle, this is one of the easiest and most effective ways to shut down password spraying.

3. Monitor Login Patterns

Look for:

• Failed login attempts spread across multiple accounts

• Logins from unfamiliar IPs or geographic regions

• Repeated attempts at off-hours

A good MSP can help you set up this kind of behavioral monitoring.

4. Regular Security Audits

Review login logs and access controls regularly. If you spot trends—like repeated failed logins with a specific password—it could indicate a spraying attempt.

Go Beyond the Basics: Strengthening Your Security

In addition to the essentials above, here are a few extra steps:

Configure Login Detection

Set alerts for multiple failed login attempts from the same IP, especially across different accounts. This helps identify slow, stealthy attacks.

Train Your Team

Human error remains one of the biggest risks. Educate staff on good password practices and phishing awareness.

Have an Incident Response Plan

If an attack gets through, you need a plan:

• Alert affected users

• Force password resets

• Audit access logs

• Notify your MSP or IT provider

Don’t Wait for a Breach

Password spraying is easy for attackers—and devastating for businesses caught unprepared. But with the right systems and habits in place, it’s also highly preventable.

At Crossover IT, we help small to medium businesses in Newcastle protect their accounts with layered security, real-time monitoring, and staff training. As your local MSP, we’re ready to help you stay one step ahead of cyber threats.

Need help protecting your business from password spraying and other attacks?
Contact Crossover IT — your trusted MSP for SMBs in Newcastle — for practical cybersecurity solutions that keep your business safe.