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There has been a huge increase in credential harvesting cyberattacks that have been used to steal user’s login credentials. Attackers use deceptive techniques like malicious links, fake websites and phishing emails to gain unauthorized access to confidential details. One of the most common methods involves the use of malware that harvests credentials which is further used to extract confidential details from infected devices.
Growing dependencies on digital platforms have made organizations more vulnerable to these modern cyber threats. From a business point of view, the credential harvesting meaning extends beyond the stolen passwords. It highlights the risks related to data security, business continuity and customer trust.
In this blog, we will be understanding credential harvesting and prevention strategies to protect organizations from credential harvesting cyberattacks.
What is Credential Harvesting?
It is a type of cyberattack technique that is used by attackers to collect personal or financial details such as usernames and passwords. Cybercriminals conduct credential harvesting through phishing emails, directing users to malicious websites, and using malware to trick users into providing login details. Credential harvesting is also known as password harvesting as it aims to steal credentials and use them to get unauthorized access to confidential data and financial details. Attackers. Harvested credentials are sold on dark web platforms which creates a profitable market for attackers.
Understanding The Working of Credential Harvesting
Credential harvesting involves a step-by-step procedure to trick the user and direct them to fraudulent websites. On entering the sensitive details on these websites, attackers gain unauthorized access to confidential details such as login credentials and bank details.
Following is the process described below which describes the working of credential harvesting:
- Identification of the Target
The attackers do in-depth research to identify their target, which could be an individual employee of an organization or a common group of users.
- Creation of fake login pages or websites
Cybercriminals create fake login pages or websites that resemble email portals, banking websites and enterprise solutions.
- Luring the Victims
To trick the victims, attackers use these fraudulent pages through malicious ads, social media links, phishing emails, and messaging platforms like Telegram or WhatsApp as well.
- Data Entry
Users unknowingly enter confidential details on these fraudulent websites or pages.
- Credential Theft
To get unauthorized access of user’s data, cybercriminals capture and store their credentials
- Usage or Sale
The stolen data is further used for conducting further cyberattacks or sold on the dark web.
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Credential Harvesting: Common Attack Methods
Following are the techniques mentioned below which are used for credential harvesting attacks:
- Phishing: To trick people, attackers often use deceptive emails which appear to be from trusted sources, convincing the users to enter the credentials on fake login pages.
- Malicious Links: Links present in the phishing emails direct to fraudulent websites that capture the user’s login details.
- Keylogging: To capture credentials when a user types, attackers use malware and keylogging software to record keystrokes.
- MitM Attacks: For intercepting communication between users and legitimate sources, cybercriminals use Man-in-the-middle attacks to steal credentials without detection.
- Credential Stuffing: By using stolen credentials from one breach to access multiple accounts across various platforms due to password reuse.
- Domain Spoofing: To trick users, attackers also use fake domains to mimic trusted sites.
- Remote Access Trojans (RATs): These allow cybercriminals to control infected devices remotely.
Real-Life Incidents of Credential Harvesting Cyberattacks
Microsoft 365 Phishing Attack on Cloud-Based Organizations (2023)
Incident: In the year 2023, attackers launched a phishing campaign to impersonate Microsoft officials, tricking the users into entering their Microsoft 365 credentials on fake login pages.
Impact: Affected organizations need to face operational disruptions. Also, the stolen credentials led to account takeover, internal phishing, and financial fraud through the use of fake invoices.
Security Insights: Nowadays, credential harvesting is becoming more sophisticated and defending against these modern cyber threats requires proper cybersecurity awareness among employees, multi-layered security, and zero-trust access controls.
Source: Hackread
Prevention Strategies To Stop Credential Harvesting Cyberattacks
- Run cyberattack Simulations: Organizations can train their employees on multi-attack vector simulations, such as TSAT which covers all essential cyberattack vectors.
- Providing Interactive Security Awareness Training: There is a need for providing interactive security awareness training solutions such as TLMS which focuses on enhancing training completion rate and offers multiple content categories to meet modern cybersecurity requirements.
- Strong Password Policies: There is a need to enforce the use of complex and unique passwords. Also, there is a need to apply password changes regularly to reduce the chances of credential theft.
- Implementing MFA: To prevent unauthorized access, there is a need to implement MFA for adding an extra layer of security.
- Regular Security audits: To identify potential vulnerabilities and strengthen cybersecurity posture, there is a need to conduct frequent audits of security protocols.
- Endpoint Security Solutions: Deploying advanced endpoint security solutions can detect and block malware that may be used for credential harvesting.
- Establishing Secure Connections: To reduce the chances of MitM attacks, there is a need to encrypt communication using HTTPS protocols.
Conclusion
Credential Harvesting has become a serious threat to an organization’s security posture. Due to credential harvesting, organizations need to face cyberattacks like data breaches, ransomware and BEC. To safeguard critical assets and maintain operational integrity, there is a need to enforce strong access controls, provide role-based security awareness training and deploy advanced security solutions to meet modern cybersecurity requirements. Preventing organizations from these types of cyberattacks is not just an IT responsibility but a strategic methodology for the entire organization.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: 1. What is credential harvesting?
It is a type of cyberattack that attackers use to steal login usernames and passwords to gain unauthorized access.
Q:2 How do cybercriminals harvest credentials?
Cybercriminals use techniques like phishing emails, fake login pages, malware or exploiting vulnerabilities to steal login details.
Q:3 What are signs that an organization might be a victim of credential harvesting?
Scenarios like unusual logins, account logouts, suspicious user activities, and phishing attempts are indications of credential harvesting.
Q: 4 How can organizations prevent credential harvesting?
Implementing MFA, providing security awareness training to the employees, enforcing strong password policy, monitoring cyber threats, and filtering malicious content.
Technical Content Writer at Threatcop
Milind Udbhav is a cybersecurity researcher and technology enthusiast. As a Technical Content Writer at Threatcop, he uses his research experience to create informative content which helps audience to understand core concepts easily.
