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What is Credential Harvesting?
Credential harvesting is a form of cyber attack wherein hackers deceive end users to gain unauthorized access to their account details such as passwords and usernames. Through several deceptive techniques such as phishing, hackers trick individuals into disclosing their private information. The acquired credentials are then used for various illegal activities, including identity theft and unauthorized system access. This type of cyber-attack exists due to user negligence, lax security protocols, and intelligent hacking strategies that the user falls for unknowingly.
Why Credential Harvesting Exists
The primary reason for the existence of credential harvesting is the valuable information that these credentials protect. In the hands of hackers, these credentials provide unauthorized access to sensitive data that can be used for numerous malicious purposes such as selling on the dark web or using for blackmail. In business organizations, a severe breach could lead to leaked business secrets or crippling financial losses.
Who Needs to be Aware of Credential Harvesting
Everyone using digital platforms, especially businesses, need to be aware of and defend against credential harvesting. In particular, IT professionals, data security experts, and individuals in organizations responsible for managing and protecting sensitive information must be knowledgeable about such threats. Users should be educated about the risks associated with revealing sensitive information and the measures to prevent such security threats.
How Credential Harvesting is Used in Cloud Infrastructure
In the context of cloud infrastructure and SaaS (Software as a Service), credential harvesting takes on an even more insidious role. With most businesses moving their operations to the cloud, a huge amount of sensitive data is stored in these platforms. Hackers can gain heavy rewards from successfully harvesting credentials that allow access to these platforms. Managing access control and implementing robust security measures is crucial in preventing these attacks.
The Commonality of Credential Harvesting
Credential harvesting is a common and persistent threat in today's digital world. As long as people continue to use user names and passwords to secure their accounts, there will always be those who attempt to steal this information. The severity of credential harvesting attacks has increased with the growing usage of cloud services and data storage. Both individuals and organizations need to remain vigilant against these threats and employ effective cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive data.
