Digital security has never been more challenging. With cyber attacks becoming more sophisticated, one reality stands out: privileged credentials are the number one target of hackers. According to a Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report (2024), 74% of data breaches involved compromised credentials, making this one of the main attack vectors against companies.
From ransomware to corporate espionage, improper access to privileged credentials can lead to financial losses, strategic information leaks and even a complete shutdown of operations. But what makes these credentials so vulnerable? And more importantly, how can they be protected?
What are privileged credentials and why are they the target of attacks?
In the corporate environment, different levels of access are assigned to users, depending on their roles and responsibilities. While most employees have limited permissions, such as access to emails or specific documents, privileged credentials offer extended permissions, allowing certain users to access and control critical systems, servers, databases and sensitive applications.
These credentials are usually assigned to system administrators, IT teams, developers and, in some cases, third-party suppliers who need to manage or maintain essential parts of the IT infrastructure. Due to the high level of access they provide, these accounts become attractive targets for cybercriminals.
Exploitation of privileged credentials can result in:
- Access to confidential data: Sensitive information, such as intellectual property, financial and personal data, can be exfiltrated and used for various malicious purposes.
- Manipulation or destruction of systems: With administrative control, attackers can change configurations, install malware or even disable entire systems, causing significant interruptions in operations.
- Lateral movement within the network: Once inside the system, attackers can exploit other parts of the network, compromising multiple systems and increasing the scope of the attack.
The vulnerability of these credentials can be attributed to several factors, including:
- Use of weak or default passwords: Passwords that are easily guessed or that have not been changed since the initial installation.
- Sharing credentials between employees: A practice that hinders traceability and increases the risk of compromise.
- Improper storage of passwords: Keeping passwords in unsecured places, such as text documents or unprotected spreadsheets.
Studies indicate that a significant portion of data breaches are related to the misuse or compromise of privileged credentials. For example, Verizon's "2024 Data Breach Investigations Report" analyzed 10,626 confirmed data breaches, highlighting the prevalence of incidents involving compromised credentials.
Given the potential negative impact that compromising these credentials can have, it is imperative that organizations implement robust security measures. This includes the adoption of strict access management policies, multi-factor authentication (MFA) and continuous monitoring of suspicious activity related to privileged accounts. In addition, specialized solutions, such as those offered by CyberArk, can help to effectively protect and manage these credentials, minimizing the associated risks.
How are privileged credentials compromised?
Privileged credentials are valuable targets for cybercriminals because of the wide access they provide to critical systems and sensitive data. Various techniques are employed to compromise these credentials, including:
Targeted Phishing (Spear Phishing)
Cybercriminals send personalized emails that appear to be from trusted sources, tricking the recipient into providing their credentials or clicking on malicious links. These attacks are highly effective, as they exploit users' trust and lack of attention.
Brute force attacks and password spraying
In this approach, attackers try countless combinations of passwords until they find the right one. The use of weak or common passwords facilitates this type of attack. In addition, "password spraying" involves trying common passwords on several accounts, exploiting the reuse of passwords by users.
Keylogging and malware
Malicious programs, such as keyloggers, record the keystrokes made by the user, capturing sensitive information, including access credentials. This malware can be installed via infected downloads or compromised websites.
Exploiting vulnerabilities in systems
Security flaws in software or operating systems can be exploited to gain unauthorized access. Once inside the system, the attacker can escalate privileges and compromise additional credentials.
Data leakage and password reuse
Data obtained in previous breaches can be used to access other platforms, especially if users reuse passwords. This practice magnifies the impact of a single leak, allowing unauthorized access to multiple systems.
Successful exploitation of these techniques can result in unrestricted access to critical systems, theft of confidential information and significant damage to the organization's reputation and operations. It is therefore essential that companies implement robust security measures, such as multi-factor authentication, strict password management policies and continuous monitoring of suspicious activity, to protect their privileged credentials.
The impact of compromised credentials
The compromise of privileged credentials represents a significant threat to organizations, resulting in financial, operational and reputational impacts. When attackers gain unauthorized access to privileged accounts, they can control critical systems, exfiltrate sensitive data and disrupt essential operations.
Financial impacts
- Direct Costs: Data breaches can lead to substantial costs related to investigation, remediation and mandatory notifications. According to Varonis, the average cost of a data breach is $3.86 million.
- Indirect Losses: In addition to the immediate costs, companies can face financial losses due to business interruption, decreased productivity and a drop in share value.
Operational impacts
- Service Interruption: Attackers with privileged credentials can disable critical systems, causing downtime that affects business continuity.
- Data manipulation: Unauthorized access can result in the alteration or deletion of essential information, compromising data integrity and decision-making based on it.
Reputational impacts
- Loss of Trust: Customers and partners can lose confidence in the organization's ability to protect sensitive information, leading to erosion of the customer base and business opportunities.
- Negative Media Coverage: Security incidents often attract media attention, potentially damaging the company's public image.
In addition, cyber espionage is a growing concern, where malicious actors gain access to sensitive information in order to gain strategic, political or economic advantage.
Given the seriousness of these impacts, it is imperative that organizations implement robust security measures to protect privileged credentials. This includes the adoption of Privileged Access Management (PAM) solutions, multi-factor authentication (MFA) and continuous monitoring of suspicious activity. Implementing these practices can significantly mitigate the risks associated with compromised credentials and strengthen the organization's security posture.
Strategies for protecting privileged credentials
Protecting privileged credentials is essential to guaranteeing information security and business continuity. Implementing robust strategies can mitigate risks associated with unauthorized access. Below are some recommended practices:
Implementation of a privileged access management (PAM) solution
PAM solutions, such as those offered by CyberArk, provide a centralized platform for managing and monitoring privileged accounts. These tools enable the discovery, management and monitoring of privileged accounts throughout an organization's IT infrastructure, ensuring that only authorized users have access to critical systems.
Application of the principle of least privilege
Restricting users' access to only the resources they need to perform their duties minimizes the risks of exposure. CyberArk offers solutions that allow this principle to be implemented, ensuring that privileges are granted in a controlled and temporary manner.
Multi-factor authentication (MFA)
Requiring multiple forms of verification for privileged access adds extra layers of security. Integrating MFA into CyberArk solutions strengthens protection against unauthorized access.
Continuous monitoring and auditing
Constant supervision of activities related to privileged accounts is vital in order to detect and respond to suspicious behavior. Tools such as CyberArk's Privileged Session Manager allow you to isolate, monitor and control privileged access to company assets, providing detailed records for auditing.
Regular password rotation and secure credential management
Periodically changing passwords and storing them in secure vaults prevents the use of compromised credentials. CyberArk's Enterprise Password Vault protects, rotates and controls access to privileged account passwords, ensuring that only authorized individuals have access.
Network segmentation
Dividing the network into distinct segments limits the lateral movement of attackers in the event of a compromise. Segmentation, combined with CyberArk's PAM solutions, reinforces security by controlling access between different parts of the network.
Employee training and awareness
Educating employees about safe practices and security policies reduces the risk of credentials being accidentally compromised. CyberArk offers resources and training to help organizations effectively implement their security solutions.
Adopting these strategies, especially with the support of CyberArk's solutions, strengthens organizations' security posture, protecting them against internal and external threats related to the misuse of privileged credentials.
The Role of CyberArk Protection against attacks
CyberArk is a global reference in Privileged Access Management (PAM) and identity security, offering solutions that protect organizations against attacks that exploit compromised credentials. Its technologies are widely adopted by companies seeking to mitigate cyber risks, ensure regulatory compliance and strengthen their digital security strategies.
But implementing an effective credential protection solution isn't just about choosing the right tool. It's essential to have a specialized partner capable of integrating, configuring and managing these solutions strategically and adapted to the needs of each organization.
This is where Asper comes in as CyberArk's strategic partner, helping companies to adopt, manage and maximize privileged access security, guaranteeing an efficient implementation in line with market best practices.
Main CyberArk solutions and its impact on security
Privileged Session Manager (PSM)
It isolates and monitors privileged sessions in real time, preventing lateral movement and providing complete records for audits and forensic investigations.
Endpoint Privilege Manager (EPM)
It applies the principle of least privilege to endpoints, blocking the execution of malware that requires administrative privileges and eliminating the need for accounts with unrestricted access.
Privileged Threat Analytics (PTA)
It uses artificial intelligence and behavioral analysis to detect abnormalities in the use of privileged credentials, enabling rapid responses to attack attempts.
Application Access Manager (AAM)
Protects credentials used by automated applications and services, preventing passwords from being exposed in code, configuration files or scripts.
Enterprise Password Vault (EPV)
Automatically manages, protects and rotates privileged credentials, preventing the misuse of static passwords and reducing the risk of compromise.
Each of these solutions reduces a company's attack surface, ensuring that even if an attacker tries to exploit privileged credentials, they won't be able to move freely within the corporate environment.
The difference Asper on CyberArk implementation
Implementing a Privileged Access Management (PAM) platform requires in-depth technical knowledge and adaptation to the specific needs of each company. As a CyberArk partner, Asper offers complete support, from the initial assessment of the environment, through the implementation of the solutions, to ongoing management and specialized support.
- Risk assessment and identification of exposed credentials within the corporate infrastructure.
- Development of customized security policies in line with regulatory requirements and the Zero Trust model.
- Integration of CyberArk solutions with other technologies already used by the company, ensuring a cohesive approach to digital security.
- Continuous monitoring and incident response to ensure that privileged credentials are always protected.
With this specialized support, companies not only adopt the right technology, but also ensure that their security strategy is truly effective, minimizing risks and strengthening their defenses against cyber threats.
In a scenario where 80% of security breaches involve the use of compromised credentials, according to a report by Forrester Research, the partnership between CyberArk and Asper is a strategic differentiator for any organization seeking to protect its digital assets and ensure business continuity.
Privileged credentials must not be the gateway to attacks
Modern cybersecurity requires companies to see privileged credentials as the strategic asset they really are. When properly protected, they guarantee business continuity, the integrity of operations and compliance with global regulations. However, when neglected, they become the main vector for cyber attacks, facilitating everything from sophisticated intrusions to ransomware attacks that can cost millions of dollars.
Given that compromised credentials have been exploited in more than 70% of recent data breaches, according to security reports, protecting these accesses is no longer an option - it's an urgent necessity. Implementing Privileged Access Management (PAM), multi-factor authentication, continuous monitoring and least privilege policies are key strategies for mitigating risks and blocking threats before they cause irreversible damage.
CyberArk is a world reference on this front, offering market-leading solutions for the control, protection and monitoring of privileged credentials. But technology alone is not enough - you need effective implementation, aligned with the specific needs of each company.
This is why Asper, as a CyberArk partner, works on the evaluation, implementation and management of these solutions, ensuring that credential protection is carried out strategically and efficiently.
Is your company adequately protecting your privileged credentials? If the answer is "I don't know" or "Maybe", it's time to take action.
Contact Asper and find out how to strengthen your digital security before it's too late.
