Credential Exposure Monitoring
1-minute read
What it is
Credential Exposure Monitoring is the practice of identifying whether emails, usernames, passwords, or access tokens associated with an organization have appeared in data breaches, leaks, or exposed datasets, even if the organization itself was not breached.
Why it matters
Attackers frequently use previously leaked credentials to:
- Attempt credential stuffing
- Bypass perimeter security controls
- Gain initial access without exploiting vulnerabilities
Many breaches begin with credentials leaked years earlier from unrelated services.
How to reduce risk
- Enforce unique passwords across all systems
- Require multi-factor authentication
- Monitor for exposed credentials continuously
- Rotate and revoke credentials when exposure is detected