What if a single compromised credential could silently bring down your entire organization?

Our recent threat hunts across Fortune 100 clients suggest that this isn't just a possibility—it's a reality. For our managed services clients, we regularly do threat hunting – both internal and external. Not only does this allow us to tune our detection services to that specific client's needs, but it also allows the client to model how an adversary would operate inside their environment.

These engagements revealed substantial vulnerabilities within their operational security practices, suggesting that existing measures may not be sufficient to protect against sophisticated cyber threats. Our scenarios were simple: user-level credentials with no elevated privileges are compromised. We conclude that adversaries are likely to successfully navigate these networks undetected.

The findings have broader implications beyond the technical realm. The accessibility of clear-text credentials, customer data, and open internal communication channels expose an organization to data breaches and highlights potential gaps in strategic oversight. For CIOs, this is a call to ensure that your security team’s strategies are not just reactive but proactive, focusing on securing operational vulnerabilities before they are exploited.

Imagine the repercussions if an attacker used these vulnerabilities to access critical business systems or customer information. The potential for disruption is enormous, from operational downtime to loss of customer trust and significant financial penalties. The scenarios we uncovered aren't unique to one organization — it's a common issue in many organizations where operational security hasn't kept pace with evolving threats.

Beyond Detection: Transforming Your Security Posture from Reactive to Proactive

As a CIO, part of your role is to ensure the security posture aligns with broader business objectives. This means supporting your CISO in addressing these vulnerabilities with a comprehensive strategy that includes regular audits, data encryption, and closing exploitable gaps. By doing so, you can transform your organization's approach to security, making it more resilient and responsive to potential threats.

KPIs That Matter: Tracking the Right Metrics to Strengthen Security

As a start, we suggest monitoring the following KPIs to ensure continuous improvement in operational security:

• Security Audit Frequency: How often are comprehensive operational security audits conducted?
• Data Encryption Effectiveness: measures the extent to which sensitive data across the organization is protected by encryption, focusing on areas where encryption provides the most significant security benefit.
• Incident Response Metrics: Speed and effectiveness of response to identified threats.
• User Access Review: Frequency of reviews to ensure users have appropriate access levels.
• Credential Management: Regular audits of where and how credentials are stored. Pay particular attention to service accounts and other credentials that may not use multifactor authentication but have elevated privileges. In addition, credentials stored in open files are akin to hacking cheat codes.

By closely monitoring these KPIs, you can ensure that your CISO is equipped to manage and mitigate security risks effectively. It's about moving from a reactive to a proactive security posture, ensuring the organization is protected and prepared for any eventuality.