In the fast-evolving landscape of cybersecurity, professionals often find themselves preoccupied with combating the latest advanced techniques employed by adversaries. However, one of the most effective attack methods remains disturbingly simple: compromised credentials. Despite a growing awareness of this threat, organizations are still grappling with their ability to prevent password cracking attacks and detect unauthorized account usage, as highlighted in Picus Security’s Blue Report 2025.
The first half of 2025 presents a stark reminder: compromised accounts are among the least protected attack vectors. This emphasizes the urgent need for organizations to adopt a proactive strategy that concentrates on mitigating the threats that organizations struggle to defend against.
A Wake-Up Call: The Alarming Rise in Password Cracking Success
Published annually, the Picus Blue Report examines how effectively organizations can resist and identify real-world cyber threats. Unlike conventional reports that merely assess threat trends through survey data, this year’s edition is grounded in empirical evidence derived from over 160 million attack simulations executed across global networks via the Picus Security Validation Platform.
The 2025 report reveals a troubling statistic: password cracking attempts succeeded in approximately 46% of the tested environments—almost double the success rate from the previous year. This alarming rise points to a significant flaw in how many organizations are managing their password policies. Weak passwords and outdated hashing algorithms are common culprits that render critical systems susceptible to attackers employing brute-force or rainbow table tactics to crack passwords and gain unauthorized access.
Given that password cracking has been a reliable attack method for years, it showcases a critical issue: countless organizations are caught up in the pursuit of high-tech threats while neglecting the enforcement of robust password hygiene and the integration of modern authentication practices.
Why Organizations Are Failing to Prevent Password Cracking Attacks
What accounts for organizations’ continued inability to thwart password cracking attempts? A major factor is the ongoing reliance on weak passwords and outdated credential storage methods. Many organizations opt for easily guessable passwords and rely on weak hashing standards, frequently neglecting essential practices such as proper salting and multi-factor authentication (MFA).
Research indicated that about 46% of environments had at least one password hash cracked back to cleartext. This stark finding underscores the limitations inherent in many password policies, particularly concerning internal accounts, where security controls often lack the rigor applied to external accounts.
To counteract these vulnerabilities, organizations must implement stricter password policies, mandate multi-factor authentication for all users, and consistently validate their credential defenses. Without these enhancements, the likelihood of attackers compromising valid accounts and gaining unfettered access to critical systems only increases.
Credential-Based Attacks: A Silent but Devastating Threat
The danger posed by credential abuse is significant and often underestimated. According to the Blue Report 2025, organizations remain ill-prepared to deal with this widespread threat. Once attackers gain access to valid credentials, they can move stealthily within networks, escalating privileges and compromising essential systems.
Infostealers and ransomware groups frequently leverage stolen credentials to infiltrate networks, making their way deeper without triggering detection systems. This quiet lateral movement allows them to maintain prolonged undetected access while exfiltrating information at will.
Despite the well-established risks associated with credential volume, organizations still prioritize perimeter defenses, leaving issues related to identity and credential protection insufficiently addressed and funded. The Blue Report’s insights make it abundantly clear that valid account abuse is central to contemporary cyberattacks, calling for a renewed focus on identity security and credential validation.
Valid Accounts (T1078): The Most Exploited Path to Compromise
The Blue Report 2025 reveals a staggering finding: Valid Accounts (MITRE ATT&CK T1078) is the most exploited attack technique, boasting an alarming 98% success rate. Once attackers obtain valid credentials—whether through password cracking or initial access brokers—they can seamlessly traverse an organization’s network, often bypassing conventional security measures.
This approach allows attackers to operate covertly, complicating detection efforts by security teams. Once infiltrated, they can access sensitive data, deploy malware, or create additional attack pathways while blending in with legitimate user activity.
How to Strengthen Your Defenses Against Credential Abuse and Password Cracking
To effectively mitigate these escalating threats, organizations need to adopt more robust password policies that enforce complexity requirements, eliminating any outdated hashing algorithms in favor of more secure options. Implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all sensitive accounts is essential; even if credentials are compromised, attackers will face significant hurdles gaining network access without additional verification.
Regular audits of credential defenses through simulated attacks are vital for pinpointing vulnerabilities and ensuring security measures are up to standard. Organizations should also enhance their behavioral detection capabilities to identify anomalous activities linked to credential abuse and lateral movement.
Moreover, monitoring outbound traffic for signs of data exfiltration and ensuring effective data loss prevention (DLP) measures are in place are critical components in safeguarding sensitive information.
Closing the Gaps in Credential and Password Management
The Blue Report 2025 illustrates that many organizations remain vulnerable to the insidious threats posed by password cracking and compromised accounts. While enhancing perimeter defenses remains a priority, significant weaknesses persist in credential management and internal controls. Infostealers and ransomware groups exploit these vulnerabilities with alarming effectiveness.
To fortify your organization’s security posture and minimize exposure to risks, the Blue Report 2025 provides essential insights on where to focus your efforts. For tailored security solutions, organizations can reach out to Picus Security for guidance in addressing their specific security needs.
Get your copy of The Blue Report 2025 and take crucial steps today to bolster your security strategy.
