What Is Credential Harvesting? Protect Your Organization

Credential harvesting is a significant cybercrime where attackers steal usernames and passwords to gain unauthorized access to systems and data. By impersonating legitimate users, cybercriminals can bypass security measures, infiltrate networks, and cause extensive harm. This growing threat demands attention as it exposes organizations to data breaches, financial losses, and operational disruptions.

This blog post explores how credential harvesting works, its impact, and strategies to prevent it.

What Is Credential Harvesting?

Credential harvesting is the process of stealing usernames and passwords to enable unauthorized access to networks, systems, and sensitive data. Cybercriminals may exploit these stolen credentials directly or sell them on the dark web for others to use. This practice is a significant concern for organizations, as it can lead to widespread data breaches and operational risks.

How Credential Harvesting Attacks Work

Attackers use a variety of methods to harvest credentials, including:

• Phishing: Fake emails mimic trusted entities, tricking users into entering their credentials on fraudulent websites. Tools like the Keepnet Phishing Simulator can prepare organizations against such attempts.
• Malware: Programs like RedLine Stealer extract login information directly from infected devices.
• Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) Attacks: Intercepting communications to capture sensitive login details.
• Social Engineering: Manipulating individuals into revealing passwords through deception.
• DNS Spoofing and RDP Attacks: Targeting networks and devices to steal login credentials.

Once attackers gain access, they use the stolen credentials to infiltrate systems, access sensitive data, and move laterally within the network, often undetected.

The Widespread Impact of Credential Harvesting

Credential harvesting serves as a gateway to various cyberattacks, including:

• Credential Stuffing: Automated use of stolen credentials across multiple accounts or platforms to gain unauthorized access.
• Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs): Long-term operations where attackers slowly gather sensitive information over extended periods.
• Business Email Compromise (BEC): Attackers use stolen credentials to impersonate employees or executives, leading to fraudulent financial transactions or data leaks.
• Global Phishing Campaigns: These campaigns exploit stolen credentials to bypass even advanced security measures like multi-factor authentication (MFA).
• State-Sponsored Attacks: Some attacks are orchestrated by nation-states to target government agencies, corporations, and research institutions for intelligence and sabotage.

These incidents demonstrate the extensive damage credential harvesting can inflict across industries, from financial losses to reputational harm.

Why Is Credential Harvesting on the Rise?

Stolen credentials are increasingly valuable in the cybercriminal ecosystem. They offer attackers a reliable way to bypass traditional security measures by masquerading as legitimate users. The simplicity and effectiveness of credential harvesting have made it one of the most favored methods in cyberattacks, particularly as businesses rely heavily on digital tools and online services.

Strategies to Prevent Credential Harvesting

Protecting your organization from credential harvesting requires a proactive approach, combining strong security measures with employee education. Let’s dive into key strategies further.

1. Employee Awareness and Training

Educating employees is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of credential harvesting. Security awareness training equips employees to identify phishing and other malicious activities. Simulations, such as the Keepnet Email Threat Simulator, allow employees to practice responding to mock cyberattacks.

2. Deploy Robust Email Security

Implementing advanced email security systems helps block phishing attempts, malicious attachments, and fraudulent links before they reach users.

3. Insider Threat Monitoring

Insider threat programs track unusual activity, such as unauthorized access attempts, and can alert security teams before significant breaches occur.

4. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Adding layers of authentication beyond passwords, such as biometrics or one-time passcodes, greatly reduces the likelihood of attackers successfully exploiting stolen credentials.

5. Comprehensive Risk Management Tools

Solutions like the Keepnet Human Risk Management Platform provide organizations with tools to measure and mitigate human-related risks effectively.

Defending Against Credential Harvesting with Keepnet

Credential harvesting is a growing threat, but organizations can safeguard their systems through a combination of education, technology, and strategy:

• The Keepnet Security Awareness Training program helps employees identify threats and avoid common pitfalls like phishing attacks.
• Tools like the Keepnet Phishing Simulator enable hands-on training to boost employee preparedness.
• The Keepnet Human Risk Management Platform provides holistic oversight of your organization's security posture.

By integrating these solutions, you can strengthen your defenses and minimize the risks associated with credential harvesting.