5 Ways Identity-Based Attacks Are Breaching Organizations—And What You Can Do About It
Today, identity is one of the most common targets in cybersecurity breaches, especially in identity based attacks. While companies focus on firewalls and software updates, attackers quietly exploit valid credentials, session tokens, and abandoned access points. To help you prepare against identity based attacks, here are five ways these attacks happen—and how you can fight back.
1. Overprivileged Admin Accounts
Many companies give too much access to admins without proper oversight. As a result, when an attacker gains access to one of these accounts, they can easily move throughout the entire system.
What to do:
Start by applying the least privilege principle. Also, review admin permissions regularly and remove any unnecessary roles or outdated privileges that could lead to identity based attacks.
2. Unused Vendor and Service Accounts
Third-party services often leave behind accounts even after the relationship ends. These forgotten access points become silent vulnerabilities.
What to do:
Keep a current list of service accounts. Furthermore, make sure unused credentials are removed, and rotate API tokens on a regular schedule.
3. Social Engineering and Vishing
Attackers often impersonate staff members or IT personnel. They call help desks or use phishing emails to trick employees into handing over access.
What to do:
Provide regular training to staff to prevent identity based attacks. In addition, use callback verification and require multiple steps to reset passwords or grant access.
4. Lateral Movement Through Valid Sessions
Once attackers are inside, they often move across the network using valid session tokens. Since these sessions are legitimate, many security systems don’t detect them.
What to do:
Use Identity Threat Detection and Response (ITDR) tools. These tools help monitor session behavior and can alert you when unusual activity is detected.
5. Automated Identity Exploits
Today’s attackers use bots and AI tools to guess passwords, hijack sessions, and even mimic voices. One incident involved scammers using AI-generated voice to trick a bank and gain access to an account.
What to do:
Protect your systems with anti-bot solutions. Also, switch to stronger forms of MFA like biometrics or physical keys to guard against identity based attacks.
Taking Action: A Step-by-Step Strategy
To stop identity-based attacks, you need more than just one layer of defense. Here’s a clear strategy to help you reduce risk:
1. Audit Your Identity Systems
First, review who has access to what. Then, clean up accounts that are no longer needed.
2. Detect and Respond in Real Time
Set up alerts for suspicious login activity. In particular, focus on login attempts from new locations or unknown devices.
3. Strengthen User Authentication
Don’t rely on passwords alone. Instead, use multi-factor authentication methods that are hard to bypass.
4. Educate Your People
Employees are your first line of defense. Therefore, invest in training programs that simulate real-world phishing and voice scam scenarios.
5. Be Ready to Recover
If an account is compromised, act fast. Have a plan for revoking tokens, resetting access, and communicating the issue to your team.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, identity is now the most targeted part of the cybersecurity chain. Attackers no longer force their way in—they simply log in using stolen or misused credentials. However, by applying the strategies above, your organization can build a stronger, more resilient defense.
If you haven’t reviewed your identity systems lately, now is the time to start.
