Skip to main content
← All threats
CRITICAL Published May 18, 2026

Initial Access Broker Sale

Initial-access brokers selling administrative or remote access to a victim organisation (VPN, RDP, Exchange OWA, AWS console, AD domain admin). The buyer is typically a ransomware affiliate. Demands MFA on every remote pathway, PAM for admin tiers, dark-web monitoring of company brand + employee emails.

Initial-access brokers selling administrative or remote access to a victim organisation (VPN, RDP, Exchange OWA, AWS console, AD domain admin). The buyer is typically a ransomware affiliate. Demands MFA on every remote pathway, PAM for admin tiers, dark-web monitoring of company brand + employee emails.

MITRE ATT&CK

Tactics, Techniques & Procedures

TA0006 Credential Access tactic

Defensive mapping

Mapped controls

The audit will verify each of these controls is in place and effective.

Control Confidence Why it matters
MFA for all user accounts suggested 75% Recommended control for credential theft
Privileged access management (PAM) suggested 75% Recommended control for credential theft
Account lockout policy on failed logins suggested 75% Recommended control for credential theft
Credential rotation suggested 75% Recommended control for credential theft