Identity & AccessMar 17, 2026
More Attackers Are Logging In, Not Breaking In
Credential theft attacks surged in the second half of 2025, driven by widespread infostealer malware campaigns and sophisticated AI-powered social engineering tactics. Rather than breaking into systems directly, attackers are increasingly focusing on stealing and abusing legitimate credentials to gain access—a shift that makes detection harder and exploitation easier.
Summary
Credential theft attacks surged in the second half of 2025, driven by widespread infostealer malware campaigns and sophisticated AI-powered social engineering tactics. Rather than breaking into systems directly, attackers are increasingly focusing on stealing and abusing legitimate credentials to gain access—a shift that makes detection harder and exploitation easier.