Cisco has reportedly suffered a significant data breach, with sensitive internal network credentials leaked online. The Kraken ransomware group claims responsibility, publishing a dataset on its dark web blog that includes usernames, security identifiers (SIDs), and NTLM password hashes. The data appears to have been extracted from Cisco’s Windows Active Directory environment using credential-dumping tools like Mimikatz.
Expert Analysis:
Despite Cisco’s reputation for robust security, this breach reveals a critical vulnerability within its internal defenses. The exposure of NTLM password hashes is particularly alarming, as it enables attackers to escalate privileges and move laterally within the network. This incident underscores a harsh reality: even industry leaders are not immune to sophisticated cyberattacks. It serves as a stark reminder that in cybersecurity, complacency is the enemy, and continuous vigilance is paramount.
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