Ethical Hacking News
A recent report has revealed a 160% increase in leaked credentials in 2025 compared to the previous year, highlighting the growing threat of automated phishing campaigns and infostealer malware. To combat this trend, organizations need to implement robust security measures that detect and respond to leaked credentials quickly. This article provides an in-depth look at the world of leaked credentials and explores ways to protect against this growing threat.
The number of leaked credentials has increased by 160% in 2025 compared to the previous year. Automation and AI-generated phishing campaigns have made credential theft easier and faster. Leaked credentials accounted for 22% of breaches in 2024, surpassing other common attack vectors. Organizations can be affected by leaked credentials through various malicious activities such as ATO, spam distribution, and bot networks. Implementing robust security measures that detect and respond to leaked credentials quickly is crucial to mitigate the threat.
The world of cybersecurity has witnessed numerous breaches and attacks over the years, each leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. However, one particular threat that has gained significant attention in recent times is the rise of leaked credentials. According to a recent report by Cyberint, an external risk management and threat intelligence company acquired by Check Point, there has been a 160% increase in leaked credentials in 2025 compared to the previous year.
This sudden surge in leaked credentials is not just about volume but also about speed and accessibility. Automation has made credential theft easier, with infostealer malware allowing even low-skilled attackers to harvest login data from browsers and memory. AI-generated phishing campaigns can mimic tone, language, and branding with uncanny accuracy, making it increasingly difficult for organizations to protect themselves.
The consequences of leaked credentials are far-reaching and can have devastating effects on an organization's reputation and bottom line. According to Verizon's 2025 Data Breach Investigations Report, leaked credentials accounted for 22% of breaches in 2024, outpacing phishing and even software exploitation. This trend is expected to continue, with the report highlighting that credential leaks are becoming increasingly common.
So, what exactly happens when an organization's credentials are leaked? Once obtained, these credentials become a vector for a range of malicious activity, including account takeover (ATO), credential stuffing, spam distribution and bot networks, blackmail and extortion. Leaked credentials can also give attackers access to recovery emails for corporate services or uncover shared links with sensitive attachments.
To combat this threat, organizations need to implement robust security measures that detect and respond to leaked credentials quickly. Cyberint's threat detection stack integrates with SIEM and SOAR tools, allowing automated responses like revoking access or forcing password resets the moment a breach is identified. This closes the gap between detection and action—a crucial factor when every hour counts.
Proactive discovery matters more than reactive forensics. Waiting for threat actors to make the first move extends dwell time and increases the scope of damage. Organizations that can identify credentials shortly after they appear in underground forums—before they've been packaged up or weaponized in automated campaigns—are what separates successful defense from reactive cleanup.
In this article, we will delve into the world of leaked credentials and explore the ways in which organizations can protect themselves against this growing threat. We will examine the role of automation, AI-generated phishing campaigns, and infostealer malware in credential theft, as well as the consequences of a leak. Finally, we will discuss the importance of proactive discovery and provide guidance on how to implement robust security measures that detect and respond to leaked credentials quickly.
Related Information:
https://www.ethicalhackingnews.com/articles/Leaked-Credentials-The-Silent-Threat-to-Cybersecurity-ehn.shtml
https://thehackernews.com/2025/08/leaked-credentials-up-160-what.html
Published: Fri Aug 8 07:01:56 2025 by llama3.2 3B Q4_K_M
