Initial Access Brokers are one of the most common threats to organizations that we observe on the dark web. They are cybercriminals that specialize in breaking into networks and establishing a foothold. They then sell this foothold, or “access”, onto other cybercriminals to exploit.
This makes them a critical part of the cybercriminal ecosystem. Cybercriminal gangs, in particular ransomware operators, routinely use Initial Access Brokers so they don’t have to go through the effort of breaking into the network themselves.
In order for this ecosystem to function there has to be a point of exchange – and that takes place on dark web forums such as Exploit, XSS, and BreachForums. Here, Initial Access Brokers sell or auction their exploits to the cybercriminal community.
While it is alarming to see organizations so explicitly targeted on the dark web, their posts advertising access provide a huge opportunity for security teams to spot the early warning signs of attack because it is a point when the cybercriminals are exposed – forced to give away key information about their targets, their tactics, and even their identities.
In this report we outline the steps organizations can take to mitigate cyberattacks based on the intelligence held within Initial Access Broker posts.
Download the report to find out:
- Details on the anatomy of Initial Access Broker posts.
- Five ways you can combat initial access brokers targeting your investigation.
- Advice on verifying the credibility of Initial Access Broker posts, assessing the capabilities of the buyer and seller, and taking mitigative actions.