How Hackers Try Hundreds of Passwords Without Getting Blocked (And How to Stop Them)

You might think trying the wrong password too many times gets you locked out — and you’d be right. But hackers have figured out clever ways to get around this. In fact, they can try hundreds (even thousands!) of passwords on your accounts… without you ever knowing.

At Prowtect, we think it’s important every business — big or small — understands how this works, and what to do about it.

🧠 So how do they do it?

1. They use thousands of IP addresses

Hackers don’t use just one computer. They use botnets — networks of hacked devices around the world — to spread out login attempts. That means each password try comes from a different location, making it hard to detect or block.

2. They slow it down

Instead of trying 1000 passwords in a minute (which would raise alarms), they try just a few per hour. It looks like normal traffic — flying under the radar of most security systems.

3. They use real passwords

Hackers don’t waste time guessing random passwords. Instead, they use email and password combinations leaked in past data breaches. A lot of your personal or business data may already be out there — exposed in old hacks. Hackers collect this information and try it on other platforms, hoping you have not changed your passwords and are using the same password across your different accounts.

4. They go for the weak spots

Not all apps are protected the same way. Hackers look for login forms and websites that have fewer protections, and hammer those instead. Many people use the same password for multiple accounts. So if a hacker finds your login for one website, they’ll quickly test it on your email, social media, and banking accounts too. Just one exposed password can open the door to your entire digital life.

🔐 What can you do to protect your business?

Good news: these attacks are preventable — if you set things up the right way.

Here’s what we help our clients do at Prowtect:

• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) across all accounts
• Use strong, unique passwords with the help of password managers
• Block suspicious login attempts based on IP, behavior, and location
• Monitor for leaked credentials on the dark web

💡 The bottom line

Hackers are clever — but most of their tricks rely on businesses not having basic protections in place. You don’t need to be a tech expert to stay safe — you just need the right partner.

At Prowtect, we make security simple, so you can focus on what matters most: growing your business.

Would you like to improve your cybersecurity posture? Let’s talk.