Description: User credential theft refers to the act of illicitly obtaining access information, such as usernames and passwords, in order to access systems, applications, or data without authorization. This type of attack is one of the most common techniques used by cybercriminals to compromise the security of online accounts. Credentials can be stolen through various methodologies, including phishing, malware, brute force attacks, and the exploitation of vulnerabilities in systems. The relevance of this phenomenon lies in its ability to facilitate unauthorized access to sensitive information, which can result in identity theft, financial fraud, and data breaches. Protection against credential theft is essential in cybersecurity, and organizations implement measures such as multi-factor authentication and user education to mitigate these risks. In the context of vulnerability analysis and penetration testing, credential theft becomes a critical target, as it allows security evaluators to identify weaknesses in an organization’s security infrastructure and propose effective solutions to improve its security posture.
History: User credential theft has existed since the early days of computing, but it became more prominent with the rise of the Internet in the 1990s. With the proliferation of online services, cybercriminals began developing more sophisticated techniques to steal credentials, such as phishing, which became popular in the late 1990s. As security technologies evolved, so did the tactics of attackers, leading to a constant cycle of innovation on both sides of cybersecurity.
Uses: Credential theft is primarily used in cyberattacks to access sensitive systems and data. Cybercriminals can use stolen credentials to commit financial fraud, steal personal or corporate information, and compromise online accounts. Additionally, in the field of cybersecurity, penetration testing employs credential theft techniques to assess the security of applications and systems, identifying vulnerabilities that could be exploited by malicious attackers.
Examples: A notable example of credential theft is the phishing attack targeting users of online banking services, where attackers send fake emails that appear legitimate to trick users into revealing their credentials. Another case is the use of malware, such as keyloggers, which record users’ keystrokes to capture passwords. In 2014, the attack on the password management platform LastPass exposed the vulnerability of stored credentials, leading to an increase in awareness about password security.
