Key Insights
Stolen credentials are a growing threat. Attackers use them to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data, steal information, commit fraud, or disrupt operations. As this threat continues to rise, it’s essential for both individuals and organizations to take immediate action to secure their credentials and follow best practices to reduce the risk of breaches.
Who should read this?
- Individual users – Anyone with online accounts—whether for work, social media, or sensitive personal data—should be aware of how easily their credentials can be stolen.
- Organizations – Businesses and government agencies must understand the growing risk of credential theft and adopt stronger security practices to safeguard their data.
The growing threat of credential theft
Credential theft is becoming a serious concern as attackers increasingly rely on stolen login details to access sensitive data. The rising number of credential theft cases reported this month demonstrates the severity of the threat.
One example is the PowerSchool breach, where hackers stole login credentials and exposed the personal information of 62 million students and teachers. This breach included sensitive data such as social security numbers and medical records, affecting many individuals.
In another case, attackers gained access to Amazon S3 buckets by stealing access keys and bypassing encryption to access important data stored in the cloud. This highlights the risks to cloud security and how easily stolen credentials can be misused.
Google ads users were also targeted in a large-scale attack where stolen credentials were used to take over accounts and run fake ads. This demonstrates how stolen login details can lead to significant misuse, not just for individuals but also businesses.
These incidents show that credential theft is becoming a serious and growing problem with far-reaching consequences. It’s clear that stronger security measures are urgently needed to protect sensitive data and prevent further breaches.
Why is credential theft dangerous?
- It allows unauthorized access to sensitive data: Stolen credentials give attackers access to valuable data, whether it’s personal information, financial records, or business-sensitive data. Once attackers have the right login details, they can bypass most security systems and easily steal or misuse data.
- It enables bypassing traditional security measures: Even with advanced firewalls, antivirus software, and other security tools, stolen credentials allow attackers to sidestep these defenses. If multi-factor authentication (MFA) isn’t in place, a password alone is often enough for them to gain full access to systems.
- It puts individuals and organizations at risk: Attackers often exploit social engineering tactics, like phishing, to deceive individuals into revealing their credentials. By targeting people rather than just systems, attackers can gain access to accounts, run fraudulent activities, or compromise entire networks.
How to stay safe?
For individual users
- Log out after use: Always log out of your accounts when you’re done, especially if you’re using shared or public computers.
- Avoid credential sharing: Never share your login credentials, even with colleagues or friends. Additionally, avoid writing down passwords on sticky notes, phones, or in easily accessible places, as they can be easily compromised.
- Avoid reusing passwords across accounts: Don’t use the same password for multiple accounts. If one account is compromised, others could easily be at risk.
- Use strong and unique authentication methods: Instead of relying solely on passwords, consider using stronger forms of authentication like passkeys, which are more secure and harder for attackers to exploit. This adds an extra layer of protection beyond traditional passwords.
- Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): MFA adds an extra layer of security, making it harder for attackers to gain access even if they steal your credentials.
For organizations
- Implement MFA: Ensure that all accounts, especially those with access to sensitive data, are secured with MFA.
- Consider using a password manager: Avoid using simple or reused passwords across multiple accounts. A password manager can help you securely store and generate strong, unique passwords for each account, making it easier to manage your credentials safely.
- Periodically review access permissions: Revoke access for employees who no longer need access to certain systems or data, ensuring that only authorized users can reach sensitive information.
- Monitor for unusual activity: Set up alerts to detect unauthorized login attempts or suspicious behavior within your systems.
- Use a zero-trust approach: Adopt a zero-trust security model, where no user or device is automatically trusted, even if they are inside the network. Continuously verify and authenticate every access request before granting it, especially for sensitive data.
