During a password spraying attack, which approach minimizes the risk of detection?

During a password spraying attack, which approach minimizes the risk of detection?

• A. Attempt the same password across multiple accounts over a long period
• B. Attempt different passwords across multiple accounts rapidly
• C. Target admin accounts with unique passwords
• D. Brute-force a single account over a short time window

Answer: (A)

Password spraying reduces detection by spreading login attempts across many accounts while keeping the pace low. By using the same or a small set of common passwords across a large number of accounts over a long period, the activity blends in with ordinary usage patterns and avoids triggering per-account lockouts or rapid-fire alert thresholds that security systems watch for. This slow, wide, low-intensity approach makes it harder for defenders to notice as a targeted attack. In contrast, trying many different passwords quickly across many accounts would create unusual bursts of failed logins that security tools are designed to flag, and focusing on admin accounts or hammering a single account with rapid attempts is more likely to trigger account protections and alerts.

Password spraying reduces detection by spreading login attempts across many accounts while keeping the pace low. By using the same or a small set of common passwords across a large number of accounts over a long period, the activity blends in with ordinary usage patterns and avoids triggering per-account lockouts or rapid-fire alert thresholds that security systems watch for. This slow, wide, low-intensity approach makes it harder for defenders to notice as a targeted attack. In contrast, trying many different passwords quickly across many accounts would create unusual bursts of failed logins that security tools are designed to flag, and focusing on admin accounts or hammering a single account with rapid attempts is more likely to trigger account protections and alerts.