Data and security remain paramount in today's age of digital transformation, so businesses must be ready to respond to evolving cyber threats that have emerged since digitalization took hold. Credential theft has emerged as one of the primary challenges businesses must contend with today; cybercriminals continually refine their skills and adapt their tactics in order to gain access to system credentials - these attacks seek to undermine corporations digital infrastructures while gaining entry to confidential corporate resources.

Verizon's Data Breach Investigations Report details that more than 70% of breaches are caused by stolen credentials, with both financial loss and reputational damage as potential outcomes for all businesses. Simply using passwords no longer suffices - organizations must take proactive measures to secure their authentication infrastructure as cyber attacks remain an ever-present risk - hopefully decreasing credential attacks as a result.

Credential Theft as an Approach

Credential theft occurs over a series of events that gradually escalate in intensity over weeks or even months, beginning with cyber attackers gaining access to usernames and/or passwords through various methods.

• Phishing Emails: Phishing emails can deceive users by offering false login pages or official looking correspondence that could lead them into believing they have received official correspondence from an institution.


• Keylogging refers to malware attacks which record each keystroke made, with the intent of accessing login and password data.


• Credential stuffing refers to using lists of credentials stolen through data breaches to bypass security measures and break them.


• Attacks Using Man in the Middle (MitM) Software These attacks occur when hackers can intercept credentials over insecure networks and use them for further attacks on vulnerable systems.

Traditional Authentication

Organizations have traditionally relied on usernames and passwords as the primary authentication methods; this no longer suffices due to multiple reasons why companies should upgrade their authentication process:

• Passwords can be reused on various platforms.


• Most users opt for passwords that are easy to guess.


• Phishing or stealing passwords is easy.

Advanced Logon Protection Strategies

Organizations seeking to combat credential fraud effectively should employ a multi-layered strategy encompassing both detective and preventive controls, with specific methods for protecting business logins as the goal. Here are some advanced protection methods.

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

is one of the easiest and most effective ways to prevent credential fraud. Users must provide two forms of verification; typically this could involve providing two passwords as well as extra pieces of information sent directly to a secure device or email address - biometric measures may even include fingerprint authentication measures.

Hardware authentication options like YubiKeys and app-based tokens such as Google Authenticator may also provide added protection for high-value and highly resistant accounts. These methods should only be employed where appropriate.

Passwordless Authentication

Some emerging frameworks have ditched username-password authentication completely in order to increase security, opting for passwordless authentication instead:

• Biometric authentication techniques use fingerprint or facial recognition technology.


• SSO is used by enterprise identity providers.


• Apps that send push notifications can approve or decline login attempts.

Modern authentication systems utilize artificial intelligence to detect suspicious activities associated with authentication attempts, specifically searching for:

Login from an unfamiliar device or location?

Organisations that actively monitor login patterns may prevent damage from arising.

Zero Trust Architecture

Zero Trust architecture operates under the principle "never believe, always verify", in contrast to more traditional methods. Zero Trust authenticates users continuously rather than trusting them within its network; context signals such as location and identity help determine each request for authentication.

Employee Training

Human intervention can undo all digital methods used to secure digital landscapes. Human error is the leading cause of data breaches; to combat this trend, companies should train their staff members to be more vigilant when using systems - they should understand that:

• Learn to recognize phishing attacks


• Use password managers, don't reuse credentials and understand MFA's role


• An informed workforce is the best protection against credential fraud.

Credential Theft Will Happen

Attackers have become more sophisticated in their attempts to compromise system credentials, increasing credential theft as an actuality for organizations. No longer can organizations rely on outdated security measures; an enhanced level of protection must now be implemented to combat emerging threats such as multi-factor authentication, Zero Trust Policies and pro-active security strategies - tools and guidance can be provided here to build stronger defenses to keep their business safe.

Reach out to us today! 📞 (404) 932-5940 📧 info@nuwaveitc.com 🌐 www.nuwaveitc.com