Credential harvesting is best defined as the large-scale illegal operation to steal millions of stolen user login credentials, such as password and username, which are sold on the dark web, and often are used to launch more sophisticated credential stuffing and finally full-on Account Take-Over Attacks.
Just as wheat is harvested, and then makes its way into the food supply chain as breakfast cereals, pasta and bread, so the credential harvest feeds a multitude of different bot attacks and crimes, that evolve into a fully-blown data breach of customer accounts.
Obtaining the correct credentials makes it very difficult to detect and respond to. The fraudsters can hide in the traffic stream of millions of legitimate users, and easily co-mingle with the real accounts to avoid detection. Fraudsters use credential harvesting to steal all the rest of the Personal Identifiable Information (PII) such as mobile numbers, home address, and credit card numbers, as well as any other confidential data they can get their hands on. All this data can be used directly in attacks or packaged up and sold as Fullz for use in yet other attacks.
Importance of Credentials
Credentials serve as the gatekeepers of our online identities, but they are often the weakest link in our overall security policy. Although most organisations have implemented enforced password rotation, and probably other 2FA systems, the greatest danger is from Phishing and social engineering methods, used to obtain the latest login credentials.
Types of Credential Harvesting
Phishing Attacks
Among the arsenal of cybercriminal tactics, phishing remains a prevalent and insidious method. Hackers deploy deceptive emails and websites to trick individuals into divulging sensitive information unwittingly. Despite all the training, it only takes one user to click on one link.
Keylogging Techniques
Silent and stealthy, keyloggers record every keystroke, enabling cybercriminals to gather login details, passwords, and other critical information.
Credential Stuffing
Capitalizing on reused passwords, attackers utilize automated tools to infiltrate multiple accounts by exploiting the common practice of recycling credentials.
Man-in-the-Middle Attacks
In this sophisticated approach, hackers intercept and alter communication between two parties, gaining unauthorized access to login credentials.
Social Engineering Tactics
Exploiting human psychology, social engineering involves manipulating individuals into divulging confidential information willingly.
Recognizing Credential Harvesting
Unusual Account Activity
Stay vigilant for unexpected changes in account behavior, such as unfamiliar devices or irregular login times.
Suspicious Emails
Phishing attempts often disguise themselves as legitimate emails. Be cautious of unexpected requests for personal information.
Strange Login Locations
Regularly check login histories for unfamiliar locations, as this could indicate unauthorized access.
Frequent Password Resets
If you find yourself frequently resetting passwords, it could be a sign of compromised credentials.
Prevention Techniques
Stopping the bots at the edge of the network before they can cause damage is an essential way to stop the bots from accessing. Register for a free-trial and see how VerifiedVisitors can help protect you online today.
