What are stolen credentials?

Stolen credentials refer to unauthorized access to and use of someone else's login credentials, typically username and password, without the owner's knowledge or consent. This commonly occurs when cybercriminals employ various techniques to obtain or steal login information from individuals or organizations. Once stolen, these credentials can be used to gain unauthorized access to sensitive accounts, systems, or platforms, leading to potential misuse, data breaches, and identity theft.

Risks of Stolen Credentials:

Data Breaches: With stolen credentials, attackers can gain unauthorized access to sensitive data, leading to data breaches. This can result in the exposure of personal information, financial records, intellectual property, or customer data, leading to legal and reputational consequences.

Unauthorized Access and Identity Theft: Stolen credentials allow attackers to impersonate legitimate users, granting them unauthorized access to accounts, systems, or networks. This can lead to financial fraud, identity theft, or unauthorized activities conducted on behalf of the victim.

Financial Loss and Fraudulent Activities: Attackers can exploit stolen credentials to conduct fraudulent transactions, drain bank accounts, make unauthorized purchases, or engage in other financial activities that result in financial loss for individuals and organizations.

Reputational Damage: Organizations that experience credential theft and subsequent data breaches may suffer significant reputational damage. Customer trust can be eroded, resulting in customer churn, negative brand perception, and potential loss of business opportunities.