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Is your business safe from the increasing Software as a Service (SaaS) Attacks?
If your company relies on cloud-based apps to manage day-to-day operations, you may unknowingly be sitting on a ticking time bomb. For many companies, it’s not a matter of if they’ll be attacked but when. Organisations utilising SaaS platforms to conduct their key business operations will have hundreds of employee credentials gaining access to the organisation’s sensitive data. Hackers often don’t attempt to hack networks anymore but instead exploit the credentials of legitimate employees that they have gained in a malicious manner. The SaaS Attack Report 2024 highlights some of the initial access methods for SaaS attacks. Here is a list of them with some simple explanations.
1. Ghost login – This method leverages multiple sign-in methods that some apps allow, meaning attackers can exploit outdated credentials to sneak into your systems unnoticed. You’d be surprised at how many businesses still have unmonitored accounts sitting around, waiting to be exploited.
2. AitM (Adversary in the Middle) Phishing – This type of attack is where hackers secretly place themselves between a user and a legitimate website, like a login page, without the user knowing. The attacker tricks the user into thinking they’re logging in normally, but captures the user’s credentials, even if multi-factor authentication (MFA) is in place. This allows the attacker to log in as the user and access sensitive information.
3. Credential Stuffing – This is a Cyberattack where hackers use stolen usernames and passwords from past data breaches to try and access multiple accounts. Since many people reuse the same credentials across different sites, attackers can easily break into other accounts if those login details match. It’s a fast, automated process, and it often works if users don’t use unique passwords for each service.
4. Session Cookies Theft – This type of Cyberattack is when attackers steal session cookies, which are small data files stored in your browser after logging into a website. These cookies allow the hacker to impersonate the user without needing a username or password. By hijacking the session, the attacker can access the account and sensitive information as if they were the legitimate user.
5. MFA downgrades – The attackers can exploit a system that supports multiple methods of multi-factor authentication (MFA) by the use of AitM and trick users into using a weaker, more vulnerable method of authentication, such as switching from a secure method like passkeys to a less secure option like a text message code. This allows hackers to bypass stronger protections and gain unauthorized access more easily.
Why should your business care?
The reality is that most businesses underestimate how vulnerable they are. Many businesses and organisations think they are secure, only to realise later that they have dozens of SaaS apps running in the background which aren’t undergoing security analysis.
One of the biggest takeaways is the importance of identity and access management. Think of your employees’ logins as the new security perimeter. Hackers aren’t bothering with breaking into networks anymore; they’re just logging in, using stolen credentials, and getting exactly what they want. The sad part is when the organisation identifies the hack and rectifies it with lockdown or password changes, it is still difficult to eliminate threat that is already in the system.
How Can You Protect Your Business?
1. Use Strong Authentication – Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) across all apps to make it harder for attackers to log in, even if they steal a password.
2. Monitor User Access – Keep an eye on who’s accessing your apps and when. If something seems off, don’t ignore it, investigate it. Regularly review app permissions and make sure that only authorized users have access to sensitive data.
3. Educate Your Team – Your employees are your first line of defence. Regular training on recognising phishing attempts and other security threats can drastically reduce your risk of an attack.
4. Adopt a Security Management Framework – There are a number of very good cyber security frameworks available and it is worth taking time to identify the correct approach for you. Once selected, the implementation of a Security Management Framework will continually improve your security and help you deal with the constantly adapting threat landscape.
Finally, Get Expert Help
Partnering with an Information and Cyber Security consultant who understands the complex nature of Cyber security, who can understand your business and apply appropriate security measures saves you considerable resources whilst protecting your business. Business owners often underestimate the importance of expert guidance, Cyber security is a rapidly changing field and there are no shortcuts, without the help of professionals who stay on top of the latest threats and tools, it’s almost impossible to stay fully protected. Experts can ensure your organisation aligns operations with regulatory requirements, mitigate risks, and ensures ethical conduct through implementation of Governance, Risk, and Compliance frameworks.
At Pera-Prometheus, we cater to a wide range of industries, offering custom protection to both local and international clients to protect themselves from these exact types of attacks. We assess your current security posture, identify vulnerabilities, and implement strategies that are tailored to your unique needs. Our expertise ensures that you’re not just reacting to threats, but proactively preventing them.
