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As we head into 2025, cybersecurity teams must prioritize SaaS security risk assessments and adopt SSPM tools for continuous monitoring. Here are three emerging threat actors to watch: ShinyHunters, ALPHV (BlackCat), and RansomHub, each with their unique playstyle and tactics. Stay ahead of the curve with our expert insights on SaaS security threats to watch in 2025.
The threat landscape surrounding Software as a Service (SaaS) is evolving, with more businesses shifting towards cloud-based solutions.The number of SaaS-related attacks is expected to increase in 2025, with emerging threat actors vying for dominance.Two groups worth watching are Hellcat and Scattered Spider, with Hellcat showing rapid emergence and initial success.SaaS security will be a top priority in 2025, with threat actors exploiting overlooked misconfigurations and sensitive data.Identity infrastructure under attack is another pressing concern, with attackers leveraging stolen credentials and API manipulations.The rise of Shadow IT and supply chain as entry points poses significant risks.Security teams must prioritize SaaS security risk assessments, adopt SSPM tools for continuous monitoring, and proactively defend their systems.Key threat actors to watch out for include ShinyHunters, ALPHV (BlackCat), and RansomHub.
The world of cybersecurity is constantly evolving, and one area that's seen significant growth is the threat landscape surrounding Software as a Service (SaaS). As more businesses shift towards cloud-based solutions, so too have the nefarious actors that seek to exploit these vulnerabilities. In 2024, we witnessed an influx of SaaS-related attacks, with major corporations falling prey to misconfigured systems and compromised credentials. This year promises to be just as eventful, if not more so, with emerging threat actors vying for dominance.
Among these up-and-coming players are Hellcat, a ransomware group that burst onto the scene in late 2024, scoring a confirmed hit on Schneider Electric. Their rapid emergence and initial success signal potential for a more aggressive playbook in 2025. On the other hand, we also have Scattered Spider, a hybrid social engineering group that once dominated the cybercrime scene but now sits on the bench following arrests and legal crackdowns.
While both groups are worth keeping an eye on—one for its momentum, the other for its reputation and potential comeback story—it's clear that SaaS security will be a top priority for 2025. Threat actors continue to exploit overlooked SaaS misconfigurations, gaining access to critical systems and sensitive data. Regular audits, enforced MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication), and credential rotation are essential defenses.
Moreover, identity infrastructure under attack is another pressing concern. Attackers leverage stolen credentials, API manipulations, and stealthy exfiltration to bypass defenses. Monitoring for leaked credentials, having strong MFA enforcement, anomaly detection, and identity monitoring are critical to preventing breaches.
The rise of Shadow IT and supply chain as entry points also poses significant risks. Unauthorized SaaS applications and app-to-app integrations create hidden vulnerabilities. Continuous monitoring, proactive oversight, and automated remediation are essential for reducing risk exposure.
As we enter 2025, security teams must prioritize SaaS security risk assessments to uncover vulnerabilities, adopt SSPM (Security and Vulnerability Management) tools for continuous monitoring, and proactively defend their systems.
Here are some of the top threat actors to watch out for:
1. ShinyHunters: The Most Valuable Player
ShinyHunters swept into 2024 with a relentless spree of SaaS breaches, exposing sensitive data across platforms like Authy and Ticketmaster. Their campaign wasn't about exploiting a vendor vulnerability—but capitalizing on one misconfiguration overlooked by Snowflake customers.
2. ALPHV (BlackCat): The Master of Deception
ALPHV played one of the year's boldest moves in 2024, extorting $22 million from Change Healthcare through compromised credentials and leaving them with the ransom paid and the data lost. This group is known for its strategic maneuvers and deception tactics.
3. RansomHub: Rookie of the Year
RansomHub emerged as a major player in 2024, catching attention in the fallout of ALPHV's $22M scam. Their opportunistic offense approach has them poised to make significant waves in the SaaS security landscape.
Related Information:
https://thehackernews.com/2025/01/from-22m-in-ransom-to-100m-stolen.html
Published: Tue Jan 7 02:25:31 2025 by llama3.2 3B Q4_K_M
