Cyber Brief: Account takeover, supplier access and resilience gaps

Today’s cyber reporting continues to highlight how attackers and outages alike exploit trust, access and preparation gaps. Account takeover remains a primary compromise method, supplier access exposure is creating avoidable risk and resilience planning gaps are extending disruption. These stories reflect the importance of strong governance and preparedness as organisations settle into the new year.

Account takeover incidents driven by credential misuse

Threat reporting published today highlights a continued rise in account takeover incidents driven by credential misuse. Attackers are increasingly relying on stolen credentials, session reuse and compromised authentication flows rather than exploiting software vulnerabilities.
In several cases reviewed, attackers gained access through phishing or credential reuse and then delayed further activity to avoid detection. Once active, they accessed data, created persistence mechanisms or attempted lateral movement using legitimate permissions. This low-noise approach significantly increases dwell time, particularly in environments with limited behavioural monitoring.
The reporting emphasises that account takeover remains effective because identity governance controls are often inconsistent. Over-privileged accounts, infrequent access reviews and long-lived credentials continue to provide reliable access paths for attackers.

Why it matters
Account takeover bypasses perimeter defences. Strong authentication, regular access reviews and monitoring for anomalous account behaviour are essential to reducing exposure.

Source
Microsoft Security

Supplier access exposure creates hidden risk pathways

UK-focused reporting today highlights how supplier access continues to expose organisations to hidden risk. In multiple incidents, suppliers retained access to systems well beyond project completion or used shared credentials with limited auditability.
Attackers increasingly target supplier environments as a route into downstream organisations. Once supplier credentials are compromised, activity blends into trusted access patterns, delaying detection. In several incidents referenced today, organisations were unaware of the extent of supplier access until disruption occurred.
The reporting reinforces that supplier access exposure is both a security and governance issue, requiring ongoing review rather than one-off assurance.

Why it matters
Supplier access increases attack surface. Time-bound access, strong authentication and regular review reduce third-party risk.

Source
Computer Weekly

Resilience planning gaps extend recovery timelines

Analysis published today highlights that many organisations continue to underinvest in resilience planning and recovery testing. While detection capabilities have improved, recovery procedures are often outdated or untested.
In several incidents reviewed, teams identified issues quickly but struggled to restore services due to unclear ownership, poorly understood dependencies and lack of rehearsal. Decision-making slowed as confidence in recovery plans was limited.
The analysis reinforces that resilience is not purely technical. Effective recovery depends on preparation, communication and clear escalation routes.

Why it matters
Resilience planning reduces impact. Regular testing, scenario exercising and clear ownership improve recovery speed and confidence.

Source
BBC News

Today’s Key Actions

1. Review authentication controls and monitor for account takeover indicators.
2. Audit supplier access and remove unnecessary or dormant permissions.
3. Validate recovery and continuity plans through realistic testing.
4. Ensure escalation routes and decision authorities are clearly defined.
5. Update risk registers to reflect identity, supplier and resilience risks.

Secarma Insight

Today’s stories reinforce a familiar lesson. Most cyber incidents succeed because of gaps that develop gradually over time. Strong identity governance, disciplined supplier access management and tested resilience plans help organisations reduce disruption and maintain confidence.

Get in touch with us to prioritise your next steps and strengthen your security posture.