What Is Password Spraying? Why Fort Worth Businesses Should Be Concerned

In today’s digital landscape, businesses in Fort Worth and across the country face an ever-growing number of cyber threats. One of the most dangerous—and least understood—is password spraying.

Unlike traditional brute-force attacks, where a hacker targets one account with a rapid-fire series of password guesses, password spraying flips the script. Cybercriminals attempt one or two common passwords—like Password123 or Welcome2024—across many user accounts to avoid detection. This low-and-slow method flies under the radar of most security systems, making it a favorite tactic of attackers.

How Password Spraying Works

Here’s how cybercriminals execute a password spraying attack:

1. They gather usernames. This might include scraping LinkedIn, company websites, or buying lists on the dark web.

2. They try a few common passwords. Think: Spring2024, Admin@123, or Qwerty!—passwords that meet basic complexity rules but are easy to guess.

3. They stay under the radar. By only trying 1–3 password attempts per account, they avoid triggering account lockouts or security alerts.

4. They gain access. Once inside, attackers can steal data, launch ransomware, or pivot deeper into your network.

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Why Fort Worth Businesses Are Prime Targets

Cybercriminals often target small to mid-sized businesses (SMBs) that lack enterprise-grade security. In Fort Worth and the greater Dallas–Fort Worth area, industries like construction, healthcare, insurance, and professional services are especially vulnerable due to:

• A large number of users with predictable passwords

• Legacy systems without advanced monitoring

• Remote and hybrid work models

• Infrequent password policy enforcement

At Inman Technologies, we’ve seen a sharp increase in password spraying attempts against Microsoft 365 and cloud-based platforms used by our clients across Texas.

5 Signs You’ve Been Hit by a Password Spraying Attack

1. Unusual login activity from unknown IP addresses or geographic locations

2. Account lockouts across multiple users at the same time

3. Unauthorized access to Microsoft 365, SharePoint, or company email

4. Password reset requests that weren’t initiated by your team

5. New inbox rules or email forwarding you didn’t set up

If any of these sound familiar, your organization may already be compromised.

How to Prevent Password Spraying

Here’s how we help businesses in Fort Worth defend against password spraying attacks:

✅ Enforce Strong Password Policies

Encourage passphrases like FunkyHorse$76! instead of single-word passwords. Avoid dictionary words, personal info, or seasonal patterns.

✅ Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

MFA is your #1 defense. Even if a password is compromised, MFA adds a second layer of protection.

✅ Monitor for Anomalies

Use a security solution like Microsoft Defender or SentinelOne (we deploy both) to flag suspicious login attempts.

✅ Limit Legacy Authentication

Block older authentication methods that don’t support modern security protocols.

✅ Run Regular Dark Web Scans

We proactively scan for breached credentials tied to your domain, giving you early warning before an attack.

Protect Your Business with Inman Technologies

At Inman Technologies, we specialize in protecting Fort Worth businesses from evolving cyber threats like password spraying. Our team implements layered cybersecurity solutions—including 24/7 monitoring, advanced threat detection, and zero-trust configurations—to keep your data safe and your team productive.

Whether you’re in construction, insurance, healthcare, or just tired of sleepless nights worrying about your IT security—we can help.

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