"If an attacker can compromise a user and only reach the systems that user actually needs, the damage is limited. But what that user can do inside those systems matters just as much. Least privilege has to apply to both system access and user actions once inside. That’s a core component of Zero Trust cybersecurity." - Danny Jenkins
From the ThreatLocker blog
RaaS environments, insurance requirements, and MFA vulnerabilities
RaaS environment complete with Teams, earnings tracking, and support chat
What's happening: ThreatLocker Threat Intelligence obtained an access key to the Vect ransomware affiliate dashboard following the TeamPCP LiteLLM attack. Features include a built-in chat allowing users to learn from each other, troubleshoot campaigns together, "admins" offering motivational messages to members, and a ticketing system for affiliates to request support.
Why it matters:Ransomware-as-a-Service models such as Vect drastically scale attacks and enable low-skill attackers to launch sophisticated, high-impact campaigns.
The big picture: Attackers don't need deep expertise anymore. They only need access. Zero Trust is what will stop them. Enforce default-deny policies, least privilege access, and continuous verification. See inside the Vect ransomware affiliate dashboard.
What's happening: Cyber insurance isn't just there to cover recovery costs and legal fees in case your environment is breached. More and more, insurers are requiring strong, provable security controls before even offering coverage. Premiums have also risen sharply with the increase in claims and payouts, and providers are hesitant to write policies without visibility into their clients' security posture.
Why it matters:Insurance providers don't just want checkbox compliance. They want evidence of enforced controls and audits and proof of effectiveness.
The big picture:A Zero Trust framework satisfies much of what cyber insurance providers want to see: continuous verification, centralized auditing and reporting, and proof of enforcement. Explore the security controls that matter most.
What's happening: Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is widely accepted as more secure than password-only security, but is it actually only acting as single-factor? If threat actors can create a convincing enough fake login page where users enter their passwords and one-time codes (OTC), then MFA is faltering at a single point of failure: the user.
Why it matters: The session tokens are where most organizations underestimate their risk. Some tokens may be configured to time out upon inactivity while some may last for weeks. Either way, any amount of time an unknown user is allowed in your environment is too long.
The big picture: Valid credentials and codes are no longer definitive proof of a user's identity. To neutralize attackers, add an additional layer of security where the sign-on attempt must come from an approved device and path. This strengthens your MFA because valid credentials alone are not enough to grant access. Strengthen security beyond MFA.
Identity alone isn't enough.
See how Zero Trust prevents attackers from abusing valid credentials.
When a threat actor gains access to your environment, they inherit whatever privileges are already in place. Excessive admin privileges can lead to lateral movement, data exfiltration, and malware deployment in the blink of an eye.
Join our next webinar to enforce control over admin privileges without disrupting operations.
How to protect your environment with granular admin controls
Tuesday, May 19th | 11 a.m. EDT
Every excessive privilege is a potential attack path. Register now to reduce breach risk with granular controls:
What's happening: CVE-2026-31431 (Copy Fail) is a local privilege escalation (LPE) flaw within Linux that allows underprivileged local users to perform privilege escalation and obtain root access on virtually all major distributions since 2017. With this exploit, attackers can chain together privilege escalation, lateral movement, and persistence.
Why it matters: Once an attacker obtains root access, security controls become less effective. With Copy Fail, a small foothold quickly becomes a full-system compromise.
The big picture: Zero-day vulnerabilities like Copy Fail cannot be stopped with detection alone. Zero Trust controls like deny-by-default Allowlisting and least privilege access help shut down zero-days before attackers can exploit them. ThreatLocker Threat Intelligence analyzes how Copy Fail enables root access
MOVEit bug could result in authentication bypass
Updates released to fix serious flaws
What's happening: CVE-2026-4670 and CVE-2026-5174 are vulnerabilities in MOVEit Automation that can enable authentication bypass and privilege escalation respectively. Exploitation may lead to administrative control and data exposure. Customers are encouraged to apply patches as soon as possible due to the high severity of both.
Why it matters: MOVEit is used by many businesses to transfer data between servers, cloud platforms, and third-party vendors. Data protection is critical for all companies when it comes to meeting regulatory standards and maintaining client trust.
The big picture: Prior flaws in MOVEit have been exploited by ransomware groups in the past. Currently, the only way to remediate the issue is to upgrade to the patched release. But to mitigate a similar threat in the future, Zero Trust controls are key. MFA can be bypassed and privileges can be abused without the proper default-deny policies in place.
AI is changing cybersecurity. Attackers can move faster and hide better.
Protection starts with Zero Trust. Don't rely on predictions or pattern matching. Block unauthorized processes and ransomware before they run.
