Presented by Elastic
The global threat landscape has evolved significantly in recent years, but cybercriminals remain loyal to their longstanding techniques, primarily because they continue to profit immensely.
What has changed is the emergence of new technologies and more resources that have expanded the attack surface for threat actors. Recent high-profile breaches in government agencies and large enterprises serve as stark reminders of the stakes involved: sensitive information related to critical infrastructure can fall into the wrong hands, crippling operations and resulting in severe financial repercussions. Often, all it takes is a single vulnerability for these adversaries to exploit.
Consider the 2023 cyberattacks on MGM Resorts. Cybercriminals combined simple tactics with advanced techniques to breach the company’s defenses. Once inside the network, they could move laterally and escalate permissions, accessing highly sensitive information. Implementing time-tested best practices, like compartmentalization and separation of duties, could have significantly mitigated the impact of such breaches.
This example underscores the necessity for organizations to return to cybersecurity fundamentals to remain secure against a myriad of threats.
Inside a Cybercriminal’s Toolbox
To effectively address current threats, it's essential to understand the tools and tactics used by cybercriminals today. Innovations in technology and business models have made cybercrime easier, cheaper, and more scalable, while still being highly sophisticated. For instance, commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) tools like Metasploit and Cobalt Strike, along with malware-as-a-service (MaaS) offerings, empower even novice criminals with ready-made resources.
The advent of generative AI also allows threat actors to automate and optimize their attacks for greater efficiency and impact. Moreover, hackers are increasingly aware of advanced threat detection methods embraced by enterprises and are adapting their strategies accordingly, employing defense evasion tactics.
Today’s threats extend beyond endpoints and edge devices to encompass cloud infrastructures, where misconfigurations, insufficient access controls, and unsecured credentials can all expose vulnerabilities. The globalization of cyberattacks means that adversaries can target organizations from anywhere in the world, tailoring attacks to specific regions, highlighting the truly international nature of cyber threats.
Emphasizing Cybersecurity Fundamentals
In light of the sophisticated threat environment, organizations must revisit cybersecurity essentials as their first line of defense.
Start by avoiding a jack-of-all-trades approach for your cybersecurity and data teams. Instead, focus on strategies relevant to your industry, technology stack, and geographical challenges, and invest in the technologies that address your most pressing risks.
Another critical fundamental is controlling permissions to limit the impact of potential breaches. Cybercriminals often seek to escalate privileges by targeting administrators. Minimizing account privileges throughout the domain can help mitigate this threat.
Organizations should also transition from human-managed passwords to machine-managed encrypted passwords that remain unknown to users. This approach reduces the risk of credential breaches, while multifactor authentication (MFA) further strengthens access security.
Lastly, adopting a “secure by design” mindset is crucial. As the saying goes, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Establishing IT tools and processes that prioritize security can help prevent potential missteps before they occur.
While these cybersecurity fundamentals may not seem exciting, they are vital for any organization aiming to navigate an ever-evolving global threat landscape. In this arena, embracing the basics is a sound strategy.
Jake King is the Head of Global Threat Intelligence and Director of Engineering at Elastic, a leading platform for search-powered solutions.
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