3 Red Flags to Watch Out for in Brute Force Attacks

 

This information is also available on my YouTube Channel at: https://youtu.be/VeZtATqACXU          

If you prefer, you can also listen to this information on my Podcast at: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/norbert-gostischa/episodes/3-Red-Flags-to-Watch-Out-for-in-Brute-Force-Attacks-e325sq0

Your password isn’t just a word—it’s your digital front door. And brute force attacks are like burglars trying every single key on Earth to see which one fits. Let’s reveal 3 red flags that mean someone (or something) is banging on that door—and what you can do to stop them.

🚩Red Flag #1 - A Flood of Failed Login Attempts

If you’re seeing dozens of failed login attempts in a short time, don’t brush it off. It’s like hearing someone rattle your doorknob again, and again, and again.

What it means - Automated bots are trying different passwords until one works.

Where you’ll see it - Login logs, admin dashboards, or warning emails.

Why it matters - Even slow brute force tools eventually break weak passwords.

What to do - Set up an account lockout policy. This blocks access after too many failed attempts.

Example - In Windows:

Go to -  "Local Security Policy > Account Policy > Lockout Policy"

Set “Account lockout threshold” to 3 or 5 attempts.

Set “Account lockout duration” to 10–15 minutes.

Add a “Reset account lockout counter” time of 10 minutes.

If you’re using a website (like WordPress), install a plugin like Limit Login Attempts Reloaded. It does all this automatically.

🚩Red Flag #2 - Strange Login Locations

You're in New Mexico, but your account just tried logging in from Moldova? Unless you’re a sleep-flying ninja, that’s a red flag.

What it means - Bots often use foreign IP addresses or VPNs to hide their origin.

Where you’ll see it - Your login history or account activity logs.

Why it matters - These unusual logins often come just before or during brute force attacks.

What to do:

✅Turn on location alerts.

✅Block logins from countries you don’t do business with.

✅Change your password immediately if you spot suspicious activity.

On Google, Facebook, and many other services, you’ll find this under “Security > Activity > Devices & Sessions.”

🚩Red Flag #3 - Server or App Slowing Down for No Reason

Your site or device feels sluggish, even though there’s no traffic spike? Bots might be hammering your login system behind the scenes.

What it means - Brute force attacks use lots of energy—yours, not theirs.

Where you’ll notice it - Increased CPU or memory use, slow performance, or random errors.

Why it matters - Even if the attacker doesn’t break in, the attack can crash your systems.

What to do:

✅Install basic monitoring tools.

✅Set up alerts for high resource usage.

✅Consider a Web Application Firewall (WAF) like Cloudflare or Sucuri if you run a website.

🛡️How to Stop Brute Force Attacks Before They Start (Simple Edition)

These attacks are persistent, but you don’t have to be a tech expert to beat them. Here's how:

🔐Use Strong Passwords

At least 12 characters.

Mix in numbers, symbols, and weird stuff.

Avoid "password123" (please).

Use a free password manager like Bitwarden to help.

📱Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA or MFA)

Adds a second lock on your door.

Use apps like Google Authenticator or Authy.

Most services let you turn this on under Security Settings.

🧩Add CAPTCHA to Login Forms

Bots hate puzzles.

If you run a website, plugins like reCAPTCHA do the job.

⏱️Set Account Lockout and Retry Delays

Block users after 3–5 bad tries.

Add a 10-minute time-out before they can try again - This stops bots from guessing 100 times a minute.

📊Check Your Login History Weekly

Look for strange countries or logins at weird hours - If something smells phishy, change your password right away.

🌍Block or Alert on Unusual IPs

Don’t let strangers from halfway across the globe waltz into your account.

Use geo-blocking tools or network settings.

🎉Fun Fact:

Hackers don’t need to be smart—just patient. Brute force attacks work because most people use easy passwords and no backup protection. Let’s not make it easy for them.

Final Thought - Brute force attacks are like a digital woodpecker: pecking at your login over and over, hoping to crack it open. But with some simple protections in place, you can turn your account into a steel vault with a “no trespassing” sign on it.

Stay safe, stay secure and don’t wait until someone’s guessed your way in. Lock things down now and stay one step ahead.

(AI was used to aid in the creation of this article.)

"I'll see you again soon. Bye-bye and thanks for reading watching and listening."