What does credential stuffing involve?

Credential stuffing involves using stolen credentials, such as usernames and passwords obtained from data breaches, to gain unauthorized access to multiple accounts on various platforms. This method takes advantage of the common habit of individuals reusing the same login details across different sites. Attackers can automate the process, rapidly trying large volumes of stolen usernames and passwords against many accounts, thus exploiting the vulnerabilities created by reused credentials.

In contrast, employing unique passwords for each account, as mentioned in the first option, is a best practice aimed at improving security. Attempting to log in with default credentials is more characteristic of initial access techniques in hacking, as many devices and applications ship with standard usernames and passwords intended to be changed by the user. Distributing login credentials to improve security is not a valid practice; sharing sensitive information compromises security rather than enhancing it. Therefore, credential stuffing specifically refers to the misuse of stolen credentials for accessing multiple accounts across different services, making it a prevalent threat in network security.