Brute Force Attack – The Trial-and-Error Threat
A Brute Force attack is a method where hackers use automated software to "guess" your login credentials. These bots can attempt thousands of combinations per second, testing common passwords, dictionary words, and leaked credentials.
1. How a Brute Force Attack Works
Hackers don't type passwords manually. They use automated tools:
- Targeting: The bot identifies a login page (e.g., yourdomain.com/wp-admin).
- Dictionary Attack: Starts with common passwords like password123, admin, or 123456.
- Credential Stuffing: Uses credentials leaked from other breaches (LinkedIn, Yahoo) to try on your site.
- Permutation: Tests every alphanumeric combination until access is gained.
2. Why Your Website is a Target
Even small sites are targets. Once breached, hackers can use your server for:
- Sending Spam: Using your server to send junk emails.
- Malware Distribution: Infecting visitors' computers.
- DDoS Attacks: Using your server’s resources to attack other sites.
- Data Theft: Stealing customer information or payment details.
3. How to Defend Your Site
Since Brute Force attacks rely on repetition and weak passwords, protecting your site is straightforward:
| Defense Method | How it Stops the Attack |
|---|---|
| Strong Passwords | 16+ characters with symbols make guesses nearly impossible. |
| Limit Login Attempts | Blocks IP addresses after 3–5 failed attempts, slowing down bots. |
| Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) | Requires a unique code from your phone, preventing access even if the password is guessed. |
| Captcha | Requires human interaction, which bots struggle to mimic. |
| Change Admin URL | Moves the login page to a custom URL (e.g., /my-secret-entry), hiding it from bots. |
4. How Jiinubi Protects You
Jiinubi servers use Imunify360, an advanced security suite:
- Intrusion Detection: Recognizes Brute Force patterns in real-time.
- IP Reputation: Blocks IPs with a history of attacks across our network.
- WAF (Web Application Firewall): Stops known malicious bot signatures.
⚠️ Warning:
Never use the username admin. It is the first username every bot tests. Using a unique username already defeats 50% of basic Brute Force attempts.
Never use the username admin. It is the first username every bot tests. Using a unique username already defeats 50% of basic Brute Force attempts.
