Think your passwords are secure? Think again. Your business could be at risk of a password spraying attack—one of the fastest-growing threats to Australian SMEs today.
In this article, we’ll break down what a password spraying attack is, why it’s so dangerous, and what you can do today to stop it.
What Is a Password Spraying Attack?
To kick things off, unlike traditional brute-force attacks—where a hacker targets one account with many password guesses—a password spraying attack flips the script.
More precisely, instead of focusing on one account, attackers try a handful of common passwords, like Welcome123 or CompanyName2024, across hundreds or even thousands of user accounts.
In addition, this technique is stealthy and efficient, making it harder to detect.
As a result, because only one guess is made per account, these attacks often evade traditional security measures.
- Avoid triggering account lockouts
- Evade detection by most basic security systems
Furthermore, hackers often source usernames from public staff directories, social media, or past data breaches. Once access is gained, they can:
- Steal sensitive business data
- Impersonate staff or clients
- Escalate privileges to access core systems
Why Are Password Spraying Attacks So Dangerous?
Essentially, password spraying attacks succeed due to a combination of technical gaps and human behaviour.
- Stealth – Avoids lockouts, flies under the radar
- Scale – One script can hit thousands of accounts
- Predictability – Many users still rely on weak or recycled passwords
Alarmingly, even large enterprises and government agencies have been victims. In fact, the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) warns that strong password hygiene is essential.
Therefore, it’s vital to understand how these attacks operate and how to defend against them.
How to Detect a Password Spraying Attack
These attacks are subtle—but not invisible. Therefore, knowing the signs can help you take action early. Watch for:
- Multiple failed login attempts across many accounts from the same IP address
- Attempts using commonly known passwords
- Login activity from unfamiliar locations or outside business hours
In addition, modern cybersecurity platforms can flag these anomalies before they escalate into major breaches.
5 Ways to Prevent Password Spraying Attacks
To effectively protect your business, it’s important to implement several layers of defence. Here’s how:
- Enforce Strong Password Policies
Require unique, complex passwords. Ban weak patterns. A password manager helps ease the load for staff. - Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Even if a password is compromised, MFA adds a crucial second barrier. Consequently, attackers are far less likely to succeed. - Monitor Authentication Logs
Keep an eye on unusual login patterns, failed attempts, and access from new locations. In addition, automate alerts for suspicious behaviour. - Educate Employees
Regularly train staff on password safety, phishing awareness, and reporting suspicious activity. Moreover, foster a culture of security awareness. - Have an Incident Response Plan
Be ready: know how to contain a breach, reset credentials, and review access logs fast. This way, you ensure quick recovery and limit potential damage.
Final Thoughts: Is Your Business Protected?
Indeed, password spraying attacks are on the rise—because they work. They cleverly exploit the simplest habits, not just technical vulnerabilities.
To protect against this threat, enforcing strong password practices, enabling MFA, and actively monitoring login activity can dramatically reduce your risk.
Ultimately, don’t wait for a breach to take password security seriously. Instead, start today.
At Microsavvy, we help small and medium businesses on the Sunshine Coast and beyond build cyber resilience with practical, people-first network security solutions.
Take the Next Step
Password spraying attacks exploit common habits and slip through traditional defences. At Microsavvy, we specialise in helping small businesses like yours stay a step ahead with tailored cybersecurity strategies.
📞 Ready to strengthen your digital defences? Contact us today to book your cybersecurity review.
