Some customers of LogicMonitor, a network security firm, have been compromised by hacking attacks due to their use of default passwords. A spokesperson representing LogicMonitor has officially confirmed the existence of a "security incident" that is affecting a segment of the company's customer community.
Until recently, LogicMonitor employed default passwords for user accounts, which created a vulnerability leading to the breach. These default passwords typically followed a recognizable pattern, such as commencing with "Welcome@" followed by a concise numerical sequence.
This security oversight made it considerably easier for malicious actors to gain unauthorized access to customer accounts, raising concerns about potential ransomware attacks on systems under LogicMonitor's monitoring.
“We are currently addressing a security incident that has affected a small number of our customers. We are in direct communication and working closely with those customers to take appropriate measures to mitigate the impact,” LogicMonitor’s spokesperson Jesica Church said.
LogicMonitor took the initiative to inform one of its customers about a potential security breach through an email notification. In the message, they highlighted the exposure of usernames and passwords, underscoring the risk of a potential ransomware attack in the event of unauthorized access. This proactive approach demonstrates LogicMonitor's commitment to swiftly addressing the issue and safeguarding its customers' interests.
Understand what is meant by default password
Equipment manufacturers commonly employ uncomplicated passwords like "admin" or "password" for all their shipped devices, with the assumption that users will modify these passwords during the initial configuration process. Typically, these default login credentials can be located in the instruction manual (which is often standardized across devices) or even directly on the device itself.
Here are a couple of instances to illustrate the point:
In 2014, a single website's breach of default username and password combinations resulted in the exposure of 73,011 security cameras across 256 different countries. This allowed unrestricted online access to these cameras for anyone on the internet.
In 2015, a four-week-long spam campaign successfully infiltrated router equipment systems by exploiting default username and password settings. The attackers leveraged this access to send emails to multiple organizations, serving as a reminder of an outstanding unpaid bill.
The prevalence of default passwords constitutes a significant element in the vulnerability of widespread home router compromises. Maintaining such default passwords accessible on publicly accessible devices poses a substantial security hazard.
The initial step to enhance your online security is to prioritize password management.
Avoid the practice of reusing the same password across multiple accounts. Instead, establish distinct and robust passwords for each of your devices and accounts. This approach acts as a crucial deterrent, making it significantly more challenging for hackers to gain unauthorized access to your devices and compromise your security.