What is meant by "credential stuffing"?

Credential stuffing refers to a type of cyberattack where an attacker uses previously stolen username and password combinations to gain unauthorized access to user accounts on various online services or platforms. This method capitalizes on the fact that many users tend to reuse passwords across multiple sites. Since these credentials are often leaked from data breaches, attackers can automate the login attempts against many accounts, hoping that the same credentials will work for multiple users.

The reason this option is correct lies in its definition and the mechanics of the attack. Attackers deploy automated tools to attempt logging in to various accounts using these stolen credentials, which can quickly compromise numerous accounts in a short amount of time. This highlights the importance of using unique passwords and implementing multi-factor authentication to increase account security.

Understanding credential stuffing helps highlight the need for better user practices, such as password managers and education about the risks of using identical passwords across different platforms, which can lead to significant security breaches.