Cyber Brief: Identity exposure, cloud misconfiguration and readiness

Cyber reporting on Monday continues to highlight how identity exposure, cloud misconfiguration and gaps in response readiness remain common contributors to cyber incidents. Rather than relying on novel techniques, attackers are exploiting weaknesses that emerge through everyday operational change.

Identity exposure remains a key access vector

Security reporting highlights continued misuse of compromised credentials to gain access to corporate environments. In many cases, attackers leveraged valid accounts rather than exploiting software flaws, allowing activity to blend into normal user behaviour.
Delayed detection was common where identity monitoring and access review processes were limited.

Why it matters
Strong identity governance and monitoring reduce attacker dwell time.

Source
The Register

Cloud misconfiguration introduces avoidable exposure

Analysis shows that cloud environments continue to drift from secure baselines as services evolve. Over-permissive access and unintended external exposure were recurring themes, often linked to unclear ownership of cloud security controls.

Why it matters
Regular configuration reviews reduce silent exposure.

Source
Palo Alto Unit 42

Response readiness varies across organisations

UK-focused reporting highlights that many organisations have response plans in place but lack confidence executing them. Unclear escalation paths and limited rehearsal slowed decision-making during incidents.

Why it matters
Preparedness and rehearsal improve response effectiveness.

Source
Computer Weekly

Today’s Key Actions

1. Review privileged and high-risk accounts
2. Validate cloud access and configuration
3. Test incident escalation paths

Secarma Insight

Most incidents exploit access and configuration weaknesses that develop gradually. Maintaining discipline across identity, cloud governance and response planning reduces disruption.

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