Weak or easy-to-guess passwords are potential threats to corporate networks. Poor password habits could make the entire organization’s security vulnerable to unauthorized intrusions. Threat actors leverage various techniques, like Password Spraying attack, to exploit weak passwords and penetrate vulnerable network systems.
By Rudra Srinivas, Senior Feature Writer, CISO MAG
In a password spraying attack, adversaries try to guess users’ passwords by using a list of common and predictable passwords. Password spraying attacks are similar to brute-force attacks, in which threat actors predict users’ credentials to gain unauthorized access to targeted systems by the trial-and-error method.
Also Read: These are the Most Common Passwords of 2021
Organizations can boost their overall security posture by following basic password management measures. These include:
Cybercriminals often exploit leaked/stolen passwords from data breaches to break into user accounts. Pet names, favorite movies, or hobbies are used as passwords, exposing user accounts to password spraying and account takeover attacks. According to a survey, 63% of employees in the U.S. have reused their passwords on work accounts and devices. It was found that employees are 6.5 times more likely to reuse their passwords.
Commenting on the importance of passwords, Ritesh Chopra, Director Sales and Field Marketing, India & SAARC Countries, NortonLifeLock, said, “The remote working trend and the heightened dependence on digital platforms brought about by the ongoing pandemic have contributed to an increase in cyberattacks, with cybercrime rising through unsecured networks, websites, and emails. We often save financial data, personally identifiable information (PII), contacts, credit and debit card information on our personal devices.
“All this data is at risk online. One of the ways we can secure it is by using password managers that allow us to keep multiple and more complicated passwords. It is good that consumers today recognize the need for cyber safety and that it can start with something as simple as having stronger passwords,” Chopra added.
A robust password management program and adherence to cybersecurity practices are the best defense against evolving hacker intrusions.
About the Author:
Rudra Srinivas is a Senior Feature Writer and part of the editorial team at CISO MAG. He writes news and feature stories on cybersecurity trends.
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