Password Attacks

Passwords Are Still Everywhere (And Still Important)

Even with new security tools, passwords are still the most common way we:

• Log into accounts

• Prove who we are

• Protect information

Because of this, passwords are one of the most common attack targets.

What Is a Password Attack?

A password attack is any attempt to:

• Guess your password

• Steal your password

• Trick you into giving it away

• Reuse your password from another breach

Attackers don’t usually try just one password — they use automation.

The Most Common Types of Password Attacks

1. Password Guessing

Attackers try common passwords:

• “123456”

• “password”

• “qwerty”

• Names and birthdays

Simple passwords are broken almost instantly.

2. Brute Force Attacks

Software tries thousands or millions of combinations.

Longer passwords are harder to break — even if they’re simple.

3. Credential Stuffing

One of the most common attacks today.

Attackers:

• Use stolen username/password lists

• Try them on many websites

If you reuse passwords, one breach can unlock many accounts.

4. Phishing-Based Password Theft

Attackers trick you into typing your password on a fake site.

The password is handed to them directly.

5. Malware-Based Password Theft

Malware:

• Records keystrokes

• Steals saved passwords

• Captures login sessions

This is why device security matters.

Why Password Reuse Is So Dangerous

Password reuse creates a chain reaction:

1. One site is breached

2. Passwords are leaked

3. Attackers test those passwords everywhere

4. Multiple accounts fall quickly

This is how people lose:

• Email

• Social media

• Banking

• Work accounts

Why Long Passwords Beat Complex Ones

A long, simple passphrase:

• Is easier to remember

• Is harder to crack

• Is safer than short complex passwords

Example:

correct-horse-battery-staple

Length matters more than symbols.

Why Password Managers Are Safer

Password managers:

• Generate strong passwords

• Store them securely

• Prevent reuse

• Reduce phishing risk

They remove the burden of memory — and human memory is the weak link.

How Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Stops Password Attacks

MFA requires:

• Something you know (password)

• Plus something you have (code, device)

• Or something you are (biometric)

Even if a password is stolen, MFA often stops the attack.

What Happens After a Password Is Stolen

Attackers often:

• Log in immediately

• Change passwords

• Change recovery details

• Enable their own MFA

• Lock out the real owner

Fast response matters.

How to Reduce Password Risk (Simple Rules)

• Use unique passwords for important accounts

• Protect your email account first

• Enable MFA wherever possible

• Use a password manager

• Be alert to phishing attempts

You don’t need perfection — you need consistency.

Key Takeaways

• Password attacks are common and automated

• Reused passwords create massive risk

• Long passwords are stronger than complex ones

• Password managers improve security

• MFA stops many attacks

Quick Reflection

Think about:

• How many passwords you reuse

• Which accounts matter most

• Whether your email account is fully protected

Up Next

Next, we’ll move from threats to protection, starting with how to create strong, memorable passwords without frustration.