The latest IBM® X-Force® Threat Intelligence Index 2024 focuses on a growing area of risk for organizations: the increasing preference of valid credentials as an initial access vector for cyber threat actors. Today, the exploitation of compromised accounts has become as prevalent as traditional phishing attacks, signaling a disturbing shift in the strategy of cybercriminals. This change underscores the critical need to protect login credentials and sensitive data, With the high levels of activity on the Dark Web markets, and a reported 266% increase in infostealer malware this year alone, the need for organizations to increase their defenses against credential compromise has never been more urgent.
IBM paints a picture of a highly interconnected ecosystem of cybercrime, where the sale of compromised credentials on the Dark Web and the deployment of malware designed to steal login credentials work in tandem. This ecosystem not only facilitates the spread of compromised accounts but also highlights the need for organizations to adopt proactive measures, such as monitoring the Dark Web for signs of their stolen credentials. Additionally, implementing and educating users on the importance of strong passwords can significantly reduce the risk of credential compromise and create a culture of cybersecurity in an organization.
The prevalence of compromised accounts requires security teams to adopt more sophisticated detection and response strategies. Incidents involving valid access through stolen credentials necessitate a nuanced approach, often demanding a greater investment of time and resources than other types of cyber attacks. The prolonged detection and recovery lifecycle of a data breach involving compromised credentials—sometimes extending to nearly a year—poses a significant challenge for organizations in identifying and mi ..
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