Cyber Brief: Ransomware access, identity and suppliers

Today’s cyber reporting highlights how familiar weaknesses continue to drive compromise and disruption. Ransomware groups are relying on predictable access paths, identity oversight gaps are enabling low-noise intrusion and supplier assurance pressure is increasing as organisations seek greater confidence in third-party resilience. These themes reinforce the need for strong fundamentals early in the year.

Ransomware groups rely on predictable access paths

Security reporting published today shows that ransomware operators continue to gain access through well-established techniques rather than new exploits. Initial access is most often achieved via compromised credentials, exposed remote access services or poorly secured administrative interfaces.
In several incidents reviewed, attackers avoided aggressive lateral movement and instead focused on identifying critical data and systems quickly. This approach allows them to maximise leverage while minimising detection. Once footholds were established, ransomware deployment followed rapidly, often within hours.
The reporting highlights that these attacks succeed because organisations underestimate the risk of basic exposure. Weak credential hygiene, limited monitoring of remote access and delayed patching remain common issues exploited by attackers.

Why it matters
Ransomware prevention depends on reducing access opportunities. Strong credential controls, secure remote access and continuous monitoring help limit exposure.

Source
BleepingComputer

Identity oversight gaps enable stealthy intrusion

Identity-focused analysis released today highlights how gaps in access oversight continue to enable stealthy intrusion. Over time, users and service accounts accumulate permissions that exceed their current role or purpose, creating opportunities for attackers once credentials are compromised.
In multiple incidents referenced today, attackers relied entirely on legitimate access rather than exploiting vulnerabilities. By operating within expected permissions, they avoided triggering alerts and extended dwell time. Hybrid environments were particularly affected, as synchronised identities obscured true privilege levels.
The analysis reinforces that identity oversight requires continuous attention. One-off reviews and manual processes struggle to keep pace with organisational change.

Why it matters
Unchecked identity sprawl increases risk. Regular access reviews, least-privilege enforcement and monitoring for anomalous behaviour are essential controls.

Source
Microsoft Security

Supplier assurance under increased scrutiny

UK-focused reporting today highlights growing scrutiny of supplier assurance practices. Organisations are reassessing how they validate third-party security and resilience, driven by recent disruption and regulatory expectations.
In several cases, organisations discovered that supplier assurances relied heavily on documentation rather than ongoing validation. When issues occurred, recovery was slower than expected due to unclear escalation routes and limited insight into supplier response capabilities.
The reporting shows that supplier assurance is shifting from a compliance exercise to an operational requirement, with increased focus on testing, transparency and accountability.

Why it matters
Supplier assurance directly affects resilience. Ongoing validation and clear escalation routes reduce operational and security risk.

Source
Computer Weekly

Today’s Key Actions

1. Review remote access and credential controls to reduce ransomware entry points.
2. Conduct targeted identity access reviews to identify oversight gaps.
3. Reassess supplier assurance and resilience expectations.
4. Validate escalation routes and response coordination with third parties.
5. Update risk registers to reflect ransomware, identity and supplier risks.

Secarma Insight

Today’s stories reinforce a consistent lesson. Attackers and disruptions alike exploit the gaps organisations assume are low risk. Strong identity governance, disciplined access control and realistic supplier assurance help organisations reduce exposure and improve resilience as the year progresses.

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