Credential stuffing has become one of the most common and effective forms of cyber attack. With billions of leaked credentials available on the dark web, attackers no longer need advanced hacking tools to gain access to your systems. Understanding how credential stuffing works is critical to protecting sensitive data and maintaining customer trust.
Credential stuffing is a type of cyber attack where criminals use stolen username and password combinations (usually obtained from a previous data breach) and automatically try them across multiple websites or services. And since many people reuse passwords across different platforms, attackers are often successful in gaining unauthorised access.
These attacks are typically automated using bots, which can test thousands of login combinations in a short time. Once an account is compromised, attackers can:
The dark web plays a central role in the credential stuffing ecosystem. After a data breach, stolen login credentials are often leaked or sold on dark web forums and marketplaces. Attackers use these lists and with the help of automated tools, they test them on services like banking portals, SaaS platforms, ecommerce sites, and corporate systems.
These lists include information like:
This means a breach that happened on a third-party platform, such as a SaaS provider or a partner, could still lead to a compromise of your systems if users share the same login credentials.
Credential stuffing attacks can often go undetected because they don’t “hack” the system, they simply exploit valid credentials. However, some warning signs include:
Unlike brute-force attacks that guess passwords randomly, credential stuffing relies on known credentials, making it harder to detect with traditional security tools.
Credential stuffing attacks typically rely on credentials that are already circulating on the dark web, often without the affected organisation’s knowledge. That’s where Oko, Rivanorth’s AI-powered threat intelligence solution, plays a critical role.
Oko scans underground forums, marketplaces, and breach databases for exposed credentials linked to your:
By receiving real-time alerts when your data appears on the dark web, you can take immediate action by resetting passwords, locking accounts, and preventing unauthorised access before attackers strike.
Credential stuffing isn’t a complex hack, it’s a consequence of reused credentials, available data, and a lack of visibility. For Australian businesses, the cost of inaction includes financial loss, reputational damage, and compliance issues.
Implementing dark web protection, improving password policies, and proactively monitoring leaked data gives you the upper hand. With tools like Rivanorth Oko, you can spot the warning signs early and shut attackers down before any real damage is done.