The process of moving across different systems or environments within a network to access resources or data.
Description
In the context of Non-Human Identity Management, lateral movement refers to the techniques used by non-human identities, such as automated processes, bots, or applications, to navigate through a network once they have obtained initial access. This movement allows these entities to interact with various systems, applications, and data that they may not have direct access to initially. Lateral movement is often used in scenarios where the initial access point is a lower-privilege account, and the goal is to escalate privileges or gather sensitive information across the network. This can involve accessing shared resources, exploiting trust relationships between systems, or leveraging misconfigurations. Effective management and monitoring of non-human identities are critical to prevent unauthorized lateral movement, as it can lead to data breaches or the compromise of more sensitive systems. Organizations implement strict access controls, continuous monitoring, and analytics to detect unusual patterns of behavior that indicate possible lateral movement activities.
Examples
- A bot accessing multiple databases within a network to extract information while utilizing different credentials.
- An automated script that moves between servers to gather configuration data or perform security assessments.
Additional Information
- Lateral movement is often a key tactic in cyberattacks, particularly in advanced persistent threats (APTs).
- Monitoring tools can help identify unauthorized lateral movement patterns to enhance security postures.