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In today’s interconnected world, remote access infrastructure has become a crucial component for businesses enabling work-from-anywhere models. However, this convenience has also opened the door for cybercriminals to exploit vulnerabilities, especially when sensitive login panels for remote access systems are exposed to the Internet. The security risks associated with these systems have risen dramatically, with ransomware groups frequently targeting these remote-access portals to infiltrate corporate networks. This article takes a closer look at the current threat landscape, where exposed VPNs, remote desktop software, and other login portals are putting organizations at severe risk of cyberattacks.
Remote Access: The Gateway to Corporate Networks
Recent findings from KELA, a threat intelligence firm, shed light on a concerning trend in cyberattacks. After analyzing a year’s worth of chat logs from the notorious Black Basta ransomware group, it was discovered that nearly 3,000 unique credentials were used to target remote access points such as VPNs and remote-desktop systems. These credentials were primarily used to compromise services like Microsoft’s Remote Desktop Web Access, Cisco VPN, and Palo Alto Global Protect.
Cybercriminals continue to focus on remote access systems because they offer a relatively easy entry point into corporate networks. Once these credentials are stolen, attackers can bypass security measures such as multi-factor authentication (MFA) to gain unauthorized access. According to Irina Nesterovsky, chief research officer at KELA, compromised remote access systems allow hackers to establish a foothold in a company’s network. From there, they can escalate their access and deploy ransomware, ultimately leading to data exfiltration and widespread disruption.
The issue is not confined to a single ransomware group. Many threat actors rely on the same methods to target exposed remote access infrastructure, underscoring the widespread nature of the threat. Coalition, a cyber insurance firm, further reinforced this point by highlighting a significant risk in their March 11 report. It was revealed that two-thirds of businesses have at least one exposed login panel to the Internet, with these companies three times more likely to experience a ransomware attack.
The Cost of Exposed Login Panels
Exposed login panels are a major concern because they provide threat actors with administrative access to sensitive systems. When poorly configured and inadequately protected, these panels allow malicious actors to manipulate firewalls, disable security features, or even change software versions. This level of access makes it easier for attackers to compromise an organization’s entire network.
Security researchers from Coalition noted that VPN and remote desktop services, in particular, are popular targets for ransomware groups. Notably, the company’s “Cyber Threat Index 2025” report found that half of all Internet-exposed remote management solutions belong to products from Cisco, Fortinet, Citrix, Palo Alto Networks, and Sonicwall. If companies don’t take proper steps to secure their systems, they risk facing severe consequences, including financial losses and reputational damage.
Securing Remote Access: Steps to Protect Your Business
As businesses continue to embrace digital transformation, remote access systems will remain a vital tool for employees. However, there are several measures companies can take to protect these systems and reduce the risk of cyberattacks. Experts suggest a three-pronged approach to securing remote access systems:
- Regularly Update Network and Security Appliances: One of the easiest yet most overlooked steps is keeping network infrastructure, VPNs, and firewalls up-to-date. Ensuring that firmware is regularly updated can help prevent cybercriminals from exploiting known vulnerabilities.
Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Adding MFA is one of the most effective ways to protect remote access systems. It significantly reduces the likelihood of successful credential-based attacks by requiring additional verification beyond just a username and password.
Adopt Zero-Trust Security Models: Transitioning to a zero-trust security model ensures that no device or user is automatically trusted, even if they are inside the corporate network. By incorporating contextual factors like network recognition and device status into authentication processes, businesses can reduce their vulnerability to attacks.
These security measures, though essential, are only part of a broader effort to safeguard a company’s remote access infrastructure. Security experts stress the importance of a holistic cybersecurity strategy that includes monitoring, employee training, and ongoing risk assessments to maintain a secure work environment.
What Undercode Says:
The findings in this article highlight the alarming trend of exposed remote access systems as an increasingly popular attack vector for ransomware groups. The statistics are stark: nearly 3,000 unique credentials were used in attempts to compromise corporate networks, with VPNs and RDP services being the most targeted systems. It’s clear that remote access infrastructure continues to represent the most vulnerable attack surface for businesses.
The prevalence of exposed login panels is a pressing concern. As the report from Coalition illustrates, two-thirds of companies have at least one such panel accessible via the Internet, and this exposure is directly linked to an increased likelihood of suffering a ransomware attack. This data reinforces the need for businesses to take immediate action to secure their remote access systems.
One notable insight is the vulnerability posed by outdated or unmonitored remote access solutions. VPNs and RDP services, while essential for modern businesses, can also be easily exploited when security protocols such as MFA are bypassed or not implemented. For example, the massive attack on Change Healthcare in 2024, which disrupted medical billing services across the US, was made possible due to the absence of MFA on an exposed account. This highlights the critical importance of updating systems and enforcing strong authentication measures to protect against similar attacks.
The call for removing exposed RDP services is another crucial point raised by the article. RDP continues to be a favorite entry point for ransomware actors, and experts argue that companies should not expose these services to the Internet in any capacity. Even with additional security measures like RD Web and RD Gateway, the risk remains too high, and organizations should consider disabling RDP access altogether.
Furthermore, adopting a zero-trust security framework is presented as a powerful tool to prevent ransomware compromises. Zero-trust strategies operate on the assumption that no device or user, inside or outside the corporate network, should be implicitly trusted. By integrating contextual factors into the authentication process, businesses can create multiple layers of defense against even the most determined attackers.
Fact Checker Results:
1. Exposed Login Panels and Ransomware: The
- The Role of MFA in Preventing Attacks: The article accurately emphasizes the importance of MFA in reducing the risk of credential-based attacks.
- Zero-Trust Security: The claim that zero-trust security models improve defense against ransomware is supported by industry trends and expert recommendations.
References:
Reported By: https://www.darkreading.com/cyber-risk/remote-access-infra-remains-riskiest-corp-attack-surface
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