Did you know that nearly 75 percent of us use the same username and password for several of our online accounts? That leaves us open to an especially devastating cyberattack called credential stuffing. Because stolen credentials are commonplace on the dark web, almost anyone can become a victim. A failsafe protection: Use a password generator to create unique, strong passwords.
In the movies, hacking into a secure facility requires dramatic stunts—fingerprint scans, voice recognition, or forcing a villain to scan their retina.
But in the real world, cybercriminals don’t have to jump through such hoops. They don’t need spy gadgets or secret missions; they just need your login.
Thanks to data breaches and cyberattacks, billions of usernames and passwords are floating around on the dark web. And since most people reuse their credentials across different sites, criminals don’t have to work too hard. They simply plug those stolen credentials into various platforms until they hit pay dirt, a tactic known as “credential stuffing.”
Once inside, they can drain your accounts, steal your identity, or sell your information to the highest bidder.
Credential stuffing, explained
Credential stuffing is a type of brute force cyberattack, but instead of randomly guessing passwords, attackers use real login credentials stolen in past data breaches.
Picture it like this: An enemy launches a storm of arrows at a castle. Some bounce off the walls, but others slip through weak points and cause damage. That’s how credential stuffing works.
Once hackers get ahold of stolen usernames and passwords—often bought or downloaded from dark web marketplaces—they launch automated attacks using bots that try those credentials across hundreds of websites. These bots report back where the logins worked, giving the attacker access to your accounts.
Once inside, bad actors can do a lot of damage. They might drain your bank account, go on a shopping spree with your credit, hijack loyalty rewards like frequent flyer miles or gift card balances, open new lines of credit in your name, or sell your information to other criminals.
Poor password habits put you at risk
The cybersecurity watchdogs at Security.org uncovered some eye-opening trends among Americans:
More than two in three people use the same passwords across multiple accounts
About 37 percent are still sharing their personal passwords with other people, a 25 percent increase from 2024
Less than half of people feel very confident that their passwords are secure from a data breach or hack
How to defend against credential stuffing
Microsoft says that enabling two-step authentication (also called multi-factor authentication or MFA) would prevent 99.9 percent of credential crimes, including those that stem from credential stuffing.
You’ve probably experienced this form of authentication—it involves logging into an account with your credentials, but before entry gets granted, the site sends a confirmation passcode to your phone via text or email. Enter the passcode, and you gain access.
So, turn on MFA wherever it's available. You’ll usually find the option in your account’s security or login settings. And for additional protection:
Use a password manager. Select Allstate Identity Protection plans include a built-in password manager that creates strong, unique logins, and stores them securely for easy autofill.
Never reuse passwords. Create different usernames and passwords for every account.
Pay attention to breach alerts. If a company notifies you about a breach, act fast and change your password immediately. Allstate Identity Protection’s dark web monitoring can also alert you if your information is found on the dark web.
Enable credit report alerts. These can help detect fraudulent activity tied to your personal information.
What to do if you’re a victim of credential stuffing
How can you tell if you’ve been hit? One red flag is unusual activity across multiple accounts that share the same login. For example, if your credit card is maxed out and your checking account is emptied—and both use the same username and password—credential stuffing could be to blame.
If you suspect you’ve been targeted, change your login information immediately. Start with your financial accounts, then address those that store your credit card and/or other payment account information.
Next, change credentials for those that store critical data like your Social Security number, mortgage information, and medical information. Don’t forget to change social media app logins, too, especially if you have ever shared photos that could be used to blackmail you.
Staying safe online starts with small habits and taking a few simple steps today can help protect your tomorrow.
