Types & Signs Of Brute Force Attacks
A brute force attack is just another hacking method where an attacker tries many password combinations or encryption keys until the right one is discovered. Basically, this method relies on the perpetrator’s skills and tools used to crack a password through multiple attempts to eventually get access to a system, account, database, or network.
Brute force is less sophisticated than other techniques. Once hackers gain access, they may steal sensitive data, install malware, disrupt services, etc.
NOTE! According to a 2021 Verizon security report, 95% of the monitored organizations were targeted by brute force attacks.
Attackers can use brute force attacks to:
Hijack Devices for Malicious Activity
Botnets, networks of compromised computers, can be utilized to speed up malicious activities.
Spread Malware
Gain control of a target’s system to use it as a launching pad for wider attacks against other connected networks or systems.
Exploit Activity Data
Perpetrators may place spam ads on popular websites, rerouting traffic to certain websites, testing network security or encryption protocols used by targeted organizations.
Steal Data
Hackers can steal data such as passwords, usernames, and PINs for illegitimate financial gains.
Damage Website or App
Ruin the reputation of an organization by damaging its website or app by altering confidential information, leaking data, or spreading false information online.
Types of Brute-Force Attacks
Understanding the most common types of brute-force attacks can help organizations take efficient protective measures.
- Simple brute-force attacks
Hackers utilize automated software to test thousands of possible combinations to decode mainly passwords and PINs.
- Dictionary attacks
Perpetrators crack password-protected accounts by using a list, a dictionary of common words and phrases – basically reused, common passwords.
- Hybrid brute-force attacks
Cybercriminals combine automated software while using lists of common words to increase the success rate of the attack. They utilize automated systems as well as dictionaries which they constantly improve.
- Reverse brute-force attacks
By utilizing common passwords, such as “password1” or “12345”, makes it easier for hackers to guess usernames. The attacker knows the common password and is trying to guess which username goes with it.
- Credential stuffing
Hackers may use valid credentials that have been exposed in cyberattacks to access different accounts. This is possible because people tend to use the same username and password across multiple platforms.
- PIN brute-force attacks
Such attacks are mainly utilized against mobile devices. An automated system can be set up to try tens of thousands of Personal Identification Numbers (PINs) until the correct one is found.
Signs of a Brute Force Attack
To prevent any unauthorized access and minimize the potential damage, businesses must deploy measures for early detection. Here are the most common signs you should be aware of:
- A sudden increase in failed login attempts, especially from a single or a few abusive IP addresses.
- Login attempts from unusual IP addresses.
- Suspicious web sessions from foreign countries.
- Several failed login attempts per user account.
- Login activity outside of working hours.
- Login attempts using simple passwords, such as consecutive numbers or common combinations.
- Locked out user accounts due to excessive failed login attempts.
- A sudden increase in network traffic, targeting a specific service or app.
- Inexplicable website or app load speed drop.
Prevention Methods
Brute force attacks are based on credential compromise, so requiring employees to create complex passwords is imperative. Implementing a Security Awareness Training program can help educate your employees on proper password hygiene.
Regularly check the web server log files to identify suspicious web sessions and remove abusive IPs from loading or accessing website resources.
On the account security side, do not use the same credentials over several accounts. Also, for all utilized apps, administrators should implement lockout policies to keep cybercriminals out of a system after too many incorrect login attempts.
Make the Zero Trust approach a priority and make sure your organization utilizes multi-factor authentication (MFA) across all applications and services. MFA is one of the strongest solutions for preventing fraudulent access.
In addition, implementing a Mobile Device Management (MDM) service like Microsoft Intune will allow you to manage user access to corporate devices and applications, ensuring you meet compliance requirements and proper passwords are being deployed. This will help reduce the ability for hackers to gain control of your data.
At StratusPointIT we help organizations protect their assets against complex brute force attacks. For more relevant information, please contact us.
