As CrowdStrike reported, 80% of attacks involve identity and compromised credentials, highlighting the widespread nature of this threat. Additionally, an IBM report found that identity-related attacks are now the top vector impacting global cybercrime, with a staggering 71% yearly increase.
Cybercriminals employ various tactics to carry out identity-based attacks, targeting organizations through phishing campaigns, credential stuffing, password spraying, pass-the-hash techniques, man-in-the-middle (MitM) attacks, and more. Phishing campaigns, for example, involve the mass distribution of deceptive emails designed to trick recipients into divulging their login credentials or other sensitive information. Spear-phishing campaigns, on the other hand, are highly targeted attacks that leverage personal information to tailor phishing messages to specific individuals, increasing their likelihood of success.
Credential stuffing attacks exploit the widespread practice of password reuse, where individuals use the same passwords across multiple accounts. Cybercriminals obtain credentials from previous data breaches or password dump sites and use automated tools to test these credentials across various websites, exploiting the vulnerabilities of users who reuse passwords.
Password spraying attacks capitalize on human behavior by targeting commonly used passwords that match the complexity policies of targeted domains.
Instead of trying multiple passwords for one user, attackers use the same common password across many different accounts, making it more difficult for organizations to detect and mitigate these attacks.
Pass-the-hash techniques involve obtaining hashed versions of user passwords from compromised systems and using them to authenticate into other systems without needing to crack the actual password. This method allows attackers to move laterally within a network, accessing sensitive data and executing further attacks.
MitM attacks occur when attackers intercept network connections, often by setting up malicious Wi-Fi access points.
By doing so, attackers can monitor users' inputs, including login credentials, and steal sensitive information to gain unauthorized access to accounts and networks.
To mitigate the risk of identity-based attacks, organizations must adopt a multi-layered approach to security. This includes implementing strong password policies to prevent the use of weak or easily guessable passwords and regularly auditing user accounts for vulnerabilities.
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) should be implemented across all applications to add an extra layer of security by requiring users to provide a second form of authentication, such as a one-time password or biometric data, in addition to their passwords.
Furthermore, organizations should protect against social engineering attacks, which often target service desk staff to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information. Automated solutions can help verify user identification and reduce the risk of social engineering vulnerabilities.
Identity-based attacks pose significant risks to organizations, but by implementing robust security measures and remaining vigilant against evolving threats, businesses can effectively mitigate these risks and safeguard their sensitive information from cybercriminals.
