A recent report by cybersecurity firm ReliaQuest reveals that a staggering 21% of security incidents in 2023 were linked to unauthorized credential access, with attackers resorting to browser credential dumping. This nefarious technique involves stealing usernames, passwords, and other sensitive information stored by browsers, posing significant threats to individuals and organizations alike. Despite years of advice against storing passwords in browsers or accepting “remember my details” options, the problem persists, with cybercriminals increasingly targeting stored logs and cookies for exploitation.
To execute these attacks, hackers typically employ phishing campaigns, drive-by downloads, or exploit known vulnerabilities in systems, facilitating unauthorized access and data theft. Moreover, session hijacking via web cookies was also observed in 18% of credential theft incidents, demonstrating the diverse tactics employed by threat actors to compromise security. As the volume of stolen logs advertised on cybercrime markets continues to surge, ReliaQuest urges cybersecurity teams to adopt robust policy and control measures, emphasizing the importance of preventing employees from storing passwords in browsers and offering viable alternatives to enhance security.
With an array of browser options and features available, security teams face challenges in comprehensively addressing credential security risks. Differentiating between secure and unsafe credential storage methods, such as mini-password vaults, autofill features, and website login prompts, poses complexities for organizations striving to safeguard sensitive information. Despite advancements in cybersecurity defenses and recommendations for multifactor authentication and password management, the persistent threat of browser credential dumping underscores the ongoing battle against cyber threats in an increasingly digital landscape.
