In the fast-paced world of technology, the idea that passwords might soon become outdated has been around for a while. Yet, we still see that leaked credentials continue to be the backbone of many cyberattacks. This blog takes a deep dive into password security, exploring what makes a strong password, the latest technologies for password management, and why robust passwords are vital in our digital lives. We'll also uncover how cybercriminals steal personal credentials, the hidden networks where they trade these ill-gotten gains, and the defensive technologies that can protect us.

Now, why is all of this important? Using strong passwords is essential to safeguarding our personal and financial information from cybercriminals. Criminals cunningly steal personal credentials, gaining unauthorized access to valuable accounts. At the same time, there are underground networks where stolen credentials are bought and sold, fueling a digital black market. In addition to understanding the threats, it's important for organizations to understand the latest defensive technologies and strategies that can shield you from the constant stream of cyberattacks.

How Threat Actors Access Credentials and Their Motivation

Threat actors employ various techniques to access our credentials, with phishing campaigns and information stealers being the most common. Phishing campaigns involve deceitful emails or messages that trick individuals into revealing their login details by posing as legitimate organizations or websites. It's like a digital trick where unsuspecting users unknowingly share their sensitive information.

Information stealers, on the other hand, are malicious software designed to secretly collect personal data, including usernames and passwords, from infected devices. They often sneak into systems through deceptive methods, like malvertisements, where attackers impersonate legitimate software websites and slip malicious code into seemingly harmless downloads. This leads to the installation of an information stealer without the user's knowledge. Additionally, attackers may exploit known device vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access and manually install information stealers, further compromising personal credentials. In our connected digital world, understanding these tactics is essential for individuals and organizations to bolster their defenses against evolving cyberthreats.

Additionally, on the darknet, there are marketplaces where individuals engage in the illegal trade of stolen collections of usernames and passwords, usually sourced from compromised websites. The motivation for financially driven threat actors in this activity lies in its profit potential. By obtaining these credentials, cybercriminals gain access to personal and financial information, enabling various forms of online fraud, like unauthorized purchases or identity theft.

The Importance of Strong Passwords and Multi-Factor Authentication

Strong passwords are vital in today's digital world as technology, like ML and GPU cards, makes it easier for attackers to crack passwords. Additionally, using unique passwords is equally crucial. Even if you have a strong password for one account, a breach on one platform can expose other accounts if they share the same credentials. This combination of strength and distinctiveness is key to enhancing online security.

Managing numerous unique and strong passwords can be overwhelming. Here, a secure password manager comes to the rescue. It allows you to remember just one password-the master password-while it generates, stores, and fills complex, unique passwords for all your accounts. This not only boosts security but simplifies the often daunting task of password management, ensuring your online presence remains secure.

Additionally, implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) stands out as a non-negotiable necessity. It provides a powerful layer of defense against unauthorized access, significantly bolstering security. Moreover, pairing MFA with single sign-on (SSO) solutions creates a potent combination. SSO streamlines user access while maintaining robust security standards, making it a valuable addition to any organization's cybersecurity strategy. In essence, the twin pillars of MFA and SSO form an effective and efficient defense against the evolving threats of our digital world, ensuring that your organization's data and systems remain safeguarded.

Solutions for Improving Cyber Resiliency

Below are solutions and other considerations organizations should look into to further strengthen their security posture.

• Preventing Malware Deployment with EDR Systems: One key aspect of cybersecurity is stopping the deployment of malware-like information stealers onto our devices. Modern endpoint detection and response (EDR) systems play a crucial role in achieving this. EDR systems act as proactive gatekeepers, diligently watching over your devices to prevent malware deployment. They're an integral part of modern cybersecurity, helping us stay one step ahead of cybercriminals and protecting our sensitive data from falling into the wrong hands. 
• Detecting Leaked Credentials with Recon Services: One of the pressing challenges is to identify when an organization's credentials have been compromised and are being sold on underground forums. This is where reconnaissance (recon) services come into play. By leveraging recon services, organizations can proactively detect and respond to potential breaches, significantly reducing the risk of cyberattacks stemming from stolen credentials. This proactive approach to cybersecurity is a ray of hope in the ever-evolving landscape of digital threats, allowing organizations to stay ahead of cybercriminals and protect their sensitive data effectively.
• The Need for Speed and Automation in Modern Cybersecurity: Modern cybersecurity solutions leverage advanced algorithms and threat intelligence to detect data leaks and breaches in real time. These systems constantly monitor network traffic, endpoints, and data flows to identify any suspicious activity or the presence of compromised credentials. Once a potential data leak or credential compromise is detected, modern solutions seamlessly integrate with security orchestration, automation, and response (SOAR) platforms. SOAR platforms serve as the operational hub for cybersecurity incident management and are equipped with customized playbooks that specify a series of automated actions to be taken when specific threats are identified.

Find out how the Fortinet Security Fabric platform delivers broad, integrated, and automated protection across an organization's entire digital attack surface to deliver consistent security across all networks, endpoints, and clouds.