Attackers don’t break in anymore, they log in instead

Hackers Are Logging In, Not Breaking In: How Stolen Credentials Are Rewriting the Rules of Cybercrime

In a striking shift that’s rewriting the playbook for cybersecurity, a new report from Ontinue reveals that modern attackers are abandoning traditional malware-driven intrusions in favor of a far more insidious tactic: logging in with stolen credentials. The findings, drawn from extensive investigations by Ontinue’s Advanced Threat Operations (ATO) team and telemetry from the Ontinue ION MXDR platform, paint a chilling picture of how identity compromise has become the primary gateway into corporate cloud environments.

“Attackers aren’t trying to break through defenses anymore, they’re logging in with stolen credentials,” says Balazs Greksza, director of Advanced Threat Operations at Ontinue. This statement encapsulates a fundamental transformation in the cybercrime landscape. Where once hackers relied on brute force, malware, and zero-day exploits to breach networks, they now exploit the very systems designed to make our digital lives seamless: trusted integrations, single sign-on (SSO) platforms, and identity management tools.

The report highlights a troubling trend: the rise of infostealers—malicious software designed to harvest login credentials, session cookies, and other sensitive data from infected devices. These tools are fueling a booming underground market where corporate access is bought and sold like commodities. Once attackers obtain valid identities, they can move laterally within networks, escalate privileges, and exfiltrate data without triggering traditional security alarms.

This shift is particularly concerning because it exploits the inherent trust in cloud-based systems. Many organizations have embraced cloud computing for its scalability and convenience, but this has also expanded the attack surface. Compromised credentials can grant attackers access to critical systems, sensitive data, and even administrative controls—all without the need for sophisticated malware or zero-day exploits.

The implications are profound. Traditional security measures, such as firewalls and antivirus software, are increasingly ineffective against identity-based attacks. Instead, organizations must adopt a zero-trust approach, where every access request is verified, regardless of its origin. This includes implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA), monitoring for unusual login patterns, and regularly auditing access logs.

The report also underscores the importance of addressing the human element in cybersecurity. Phishing attacks, social engineering, and poor password hygiene remain significant vulnerabilities. Attackers often exploit these weaknesses to gain initial access, which they then use to deploy infostealers or escalate their privileges.

One of the most alarming aspects of this trend is its scalability. Unlike traditional attacks, which often require significant time and resources, credential-based intrusions can be automated and scaled rapidly. This has led to a surge in ransomware attacks, data breaches, and other forms of cybercrime, as attackers can now target multiple organizations simultaneously with minimal effort.

The rise of trusted integrations as an attack vector is another key finding. Many organizations rely on third-party tools and services to streamline operations, but these integrations can also serve as entry points for attackers. For example, a compromised API key or a hijacked OAuth token can provide unfettered access to cloud resources, bypassing traditional security measures.

To combat this evolving threat, the report recommends a multi-layered approach to security. This includes investing in advanced threat detection tools, conducting regular penetration testing, and fostering a culture of cybersecurity awareness within organizations. Additionally, businesses must prioritize the protection of privileged accounts, as these are often the ultimate target for attackers seeking to maximize their impact.

The findings from Ontinue’s report serve as a wake-up call for organizations of all sizes. As attackers continue to refine their tactics, the need for robust, adaptive security measures has never been greater. The era of “breaking in” may be over, but the age of “logging in” has ushered in a new era of cyber risk—one that demands vigilance, innovation, and a proactive approach to defense.

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