What are identity-based attacks?

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As the virtual world becomes increasingly reliant on identity-based authorization, identity-based cyberattacks have become a growing threat. The latest Digital Identity Security Trends 2023 report states that 90% of organizations have experienced at least one breach related to digital identity in the past year. Identity-based attacks specifically target and compromise the digital identity of an individual, organization, or entity. These attacks include a variety of techniques and methods used by cybercriminals to exploit vulnerabilities related to identity and access management.

Identity-based attacks are designed to steal, manipulate, or misuse identity-related information, such as usernames, domain names, email addresses, passwords, personal data, or digital certificates. The main purpose phone number data
is usually to gain unauthorized access to systems, data, or resources, to commit fraud, or to conduct malicious activities while masquerading as a legitimate user or entity. These attacks primarily exploit vulnerabilities related to the way identities are managed, verified, or authenticated in a computer or network environment.

They come in many forms and pose a significant threat to cybersecurity, privacy, and the integrity of online systems and services. The most common types include phishing attacks, which typically involve impersonating a trusted entity such as a legitimate organization or individual to trick users into revealing sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, or banking information. Phishing emails, websites, or messages are used to steal these credentials. Credential stuffing or exploiting the human psychology of using the same set of passwords on multiple platforms, as this eliminates the need to remember multiple passwords. A well-known example of this type of attack is the infamous Target data breach in 2013. The breach was one of the largest identity-based attacks in history, with attackers using stolen login credentials to infiltrate vendor systems connected to Target's network, ultimately exposing the personal and financial data of more than 41 million consumers. Malware was subsequently installed on Target's point-of-sale (POS) systems, resulting in huge financial losses, including investigation costs, cybersecurity enhancement costs, and legal settlement costs, totaling $190 million.

A man-in-the-middle attack intercepts communications between two parties, allowing an attacker to eavesdrop or alter transmitted data. This can involve impersonating one of the two communicating parties in order to gain access to sensitive information. Social engineering attacks are known for leading to identity compromises and rely primarily on manipulating human psychology rather than technical vulnerabilities. The methods used by social engineers include exploiting human behavior, trust, and social norms to achieve their malicious goals. Controlling this human factor with technology alone is a daunting challenge. Therefore, employee training and awareness programs are crucial, although not foolproof.

Identity-based attacks come in many forms and are considered a significant threat for several reasons. Cybercriminals can use stolen identities to conduct a variety of malicious activities, such as financial fraud, tax fraud, or identity theft. Stolen identities also often provide access to sensitive data and resources. For example, a compromised employee identity can be used to gain unauthorized access to a company's internal systems, confidential data, or trade secrets. Individuals who fall victim to an identity attack can suffer significant financial losses from fraudulent transactions, unauthorized access to bank accounts, or unauthorized use of credit lines. For organizations, a breach involving stolen identities can cause significant damage to their reputation. Customers and partners may lose trust in the business's ability to protect sensitive information.

As a result, businesses are taking proactive steps to protect against this threat. According to a 2023 survey, more than 60% of companies have elevated the management and security of digital identities to a top three priority. Additionally, about half of these companies have invested in cyber insurance to protect against identity-related incidents.

Identity-based attacks are constantly evolving and increasing in sophistication. Attackers use advanced techniques to steal identities, such as phishing emails that closely resemble legitimate communications or social engineering tactics to manipulate individuals into revealing their credentials. Criminals often conduct targeted attacks to focus on specific individuals or organizations. To create more difficult-to-detect attacks, they invest time in gathering intelligence and fine-tuning tactics against selected targets. These attackers employ a range of techniques and tools to mask their activities, including routing their actions through multiple servers and leveraging anonymizing technologies such as Tor. Stolen data is often monetized on the dark web, which creates a huge barrier to disrupting the chain of distribution and sharing, further complicating efforts to attribute attacks to specific individuals or groups.

Even if an identity-based attack is mitigated, there is still a risk of subsequent attacks. The attacker may have gained valuable information in the initial attack and leveraged it in future attacks.

Laws such as the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the California Consumer Privacy Act impose strict requirements on companies to protect personal data. Violations can result in significant fines and legal action. In addition to legal penalties, companies may also face costs associated with litigation, including attorney fees and settlements. In one major incident, Equifax was ordered to pay up to $170 million in damages