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Cyber Security

Credential Stuffing Explained

Daniel Okoro · Security Writer, SecureTempMail 5 min read

If you reuse passwords, one breach can unlock dozens of your accounts. That attack is called credential stuffing.

The mechanics

After a breach, attackers get millions of email/password pairs. Bots try those exact pairs on banks, shops, and email providers, betting that people reuse passwords. They're usually right.

How to be immune

  • Unique passwords per site (a manager makes this painless).
  • 2FA or passkeys so a password alone is useless.
  • Disposable addresses for low-trust sites, so a leak there isn't tied to your main accounts — start here.

The mindset

Assume every password will eventually leak. Design so that when it does, the damage is contained to one account.