No Exploit Needed: How Attackers Walk Through the Front Door via Identity-Based Attacks

Attackers continue to gain unauthorized access to systems using stolen credentials, which remain the most reliable entry point. This method, known as identity-based attacks, allows threat actors to bypass security measures without needing to exploit vulnerabilities. Credential stuffing is a common technique used to obtain valid credentials, enabling attackers to walk through the front door, so to speak. The prevalence of identity-based attacks highlights the importance of robust identity and access management controls. As defenders focus on mitigating sophisticated threats like zero-days, they often overlook the more mundane but equally effective tactic of credential theft¹. The fact that attackers can gain access without exploiting vulnerabilities means that defenders are already at a disadvantage. This matters to security practitioners because it underscores the need to prioritize identity-based security measures to prevent attackers from gaining easy access to sensitive systems.