What does the term "credential stuffing" refer to?

Credential stuffing is a type of cyber attack where attackers take advantage of large databases of stolen username and password pairs to gain access to user accounts across various online platforms. This tactic relies on the common practice of individuals reusing credentials across multiple sites. When hackers obtain a list of stolen credentials from one service, they attempt to use those same credentials to log into other services, banking on the likelihood that many users will not have different passwords for different accounts. The success of credential stuffing attacks can be significant, as they often exploit the inertia of users who fail to implement unique passwords for each of their online accounts.

Understanding this concept is crucial for recognizing the importance of strong password policies and the need for multi-factor authentication, which can help mitigate the risks associated with credential stuffing attacks.