Both password spraying and credential stuffing are methods cybercriminals use to gain unauthorized access to online accounts. While they share the goal of cracking passwords, they differ in their approach:
Password Spraying: Picture a criminal trying to break into a house by testing a single key on multiple doors. In password spraying, the attacker uses a common password (like ‘password123’ or variations of it) and tries it against many usernames or email addresses. They hope this ‘master key’ will unlock any account.
Credential Stuffing: This is more like having a key ring full of stolen keys. In credential stuffing, the attacker already has an extensive database of usernames and passwords (often stolen from previous data breaches). They then use automated tools to try these stolen credentials against other websites or online services. The attacker hopes the stolen login information will also work on other accounts the victim might have.