ATO Attacks: What Organizations Need to Know

Account Takeover, Cyber Defense, and Data Breach Prevention

Passwords are a ubiquitous form of authentication in most organizations, but unfortunately, weak password hygiene habits like password reuse or using easily guessable passwords are still common. According to the Bitwarden 2023 Password Decision Survey, 90% of employees admit to reusing passwords, creating a significant security risk. Attackers can use these compromised credentials to gain unauthorized access to an organization’s information, leading to account takeover (ATO) attacks that threaten enterprise security.

ATO attacks have become more sophisticated and frequent, leading to data breaches, reputational damage, and operational disruptions. Strengthening cyber defense strategies is crucial for organizations to understand what ATO is, who is targeted, and how to prevent it.

What is Account Takeover (ATO)?

ATO is a type of identity theft where cybercriminals steal employee passwords to gain access to an organization’s information. Once attackers have access to a corporate account, they can steal company data, create backdoors, and use impersonation as a form of social engineering. Attackers can also employ malware and maintain ongoing access to the company for nefarious reasons. The entry point is often a single compromised corporate credential, making data breach prevention a vital part of any organization’s cyber defense strategy.

Who is a Target for ATO?

Everyone using passwords for authentication is vulnerable to ATO attacks. Large high-revenue companies, such as national banks or healthcare organizations, are targets because their payoff is often massive if hackers can complete a successful attack.

However, small- and mid-sized businesses are also vulnerable. Attackers have realized that smaller organizations may lack enterprise security measures and cyber defense resources, making them easier targets for ATO attacks. Without robust security protocols, these businesses face an increased risk of data breaches.

How Can I Prevent ATO Attacks?

To prevent ATO attacks, organizations can take several steps:

1. Enforce Password Policies to Strengthen Enterprise Security: Organizations should enforce strong password policies that require unique passwords. This practice can reduce the effectiveness of password spraying and credential stuffing attacks. Adhering to a robust security framework, such as NIST 800-63b, ensures a cyber defense strategy that mitigates ATO attack risks.
2. Monitor Credentials in Your Environment for Exposure on the Dark Web: A password that is safe today may become compromised at any time. Regulatory frameworks, like NIST, require organizations to continuously monitor passwords for compromise and reset those that have been detected in a breach. Real-time credential monitoring and remediating when a password has been exposed greatly reduces the risk of ATO, so organizations can enhance their data breach prevention efforts.
3. Delete Unused Accounts to Reduce Cybersecurity Risks: When accounts are left inactive or unmonitored, they can become vulnerable to unauthorized access or misuse. Former employees may still have access, and these accounts can be targeted and compromised by hackers. Deleting unused accounts is a key step in strengthening enterprise security

The Importance of Cyber Defense in Preventing ATO Attacks

A proactive approach to cybersecurity is crucial in today’s digital landscape, and protecting against ATO attacks is a critical component of any organization’s enterprise security strategy. Security teams must prioritize the implementation of strong password policies, continuous monitoring of credentials, and the deletion of unused accounts to reduce the risk of ATO attacks. By prioritizing these cyber defense measures, companies can protect themselves from ATO attacks, data breaches, reputational damage, and operational disruptions. See your domain’s password vulnerabilities in seconds and protect your accounts from ATO with Enzoic.

Download the full ATO paper, “The Prevalence and Impact of Account Takeover”.

AUTHOR

Josh Parsons

Josh is the Product Marketing Manager at Enzoic, where he leads the development and execution of strategies to bring innovative threat intelligence solutions to market. Outside of work, he can be found at the nearest bookstore or exploring the city’s local coffee scene.