WatchGuard warns: Identity is the new target for cybercriminals

BY AHMET TAŞ | WISE NEWS PRESS

ISTANBUL, TURKIYE — WatchGuard Technologies, a global leader in unified cybersecurity, issued a critical warning for Data Privacy Day, stating that traditional firewalls are being bypassed by attackers who now prioritize "identity security" through AI-powered social engineering.

As business processes shift further into digital environments, the structure of cyber threats is fundamentally changing; WatchGuard CSO Corey Nachreiner points out that threat actors have moved away from month-long code-breaking attempts in favor of directly targeting users who hold the legitimate keys to corporate networks.

The danger under an authorized mask

Traditional defense strategies were largely built to prevent unauthorized external access, but identity-based attacks render this structure increasingly obsolete. When a cybercriminal enters a system using stolen credentials, security protocols naturally perceive them not as a "threat," but as "authorized personnel." This advantage of invisibility allows attackers to move laterally within the network, escalate their privileges, and access sensitive data without triggering standard alarm systems.

Consequently, in modern data security, the line of defense must transcend the physical boundaries of the network to begin directly at the user’s identity and device. The focus has shifted from building insurmountable walls to ensuring robust authentication and access management at every step of data interaction.

AI and deepfake: The new weapons of deception

The evolution of technology has provided attackers with sophisticated tools to perfect their deception. Generative AI models now allow cybercriminals to create flawless phishing emails that are indistinguishable from legitimate corporate communications. Furthermore, "deepfake" technologies—which can mimic a specific person's voice or appearance—are being used to trick even the most well-trained employees into granting access or transferring funds.

WatchGuard’s global threat analysis indicates that these AI-driven methods are becoming the primary gateway for major data breaches. Because these attacks start with something as simple as a deceptive link or a faked voice command, technical controls alone are no longer sufficient. This highlights the growing necessity of integrating user awareness training with advanced technical verification.

Implementing a unified security approach

WatchGuard CSO Corey Nachreiner emphasizes that protecting data now requires a "unified approach" that merges identity, endpoint, and network protections. When these layers operate as disconnected silos, gaps emerge that attackers can quickly exploit. A unified platform allows for better visibility and a faster response to suspicious behavior that might otherwise look like legitimate user activity.

“Today, data privacy risk stems more from compromised identities and the abuse of trusted access than from technical hacks,” Nachreiner stated. “Simple measures like verifying download sources, using Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), and ensuring strong credential security can stop attackers even when they have targeted specific identities. By adopting these practices, organizations can disrupt attacks at a much earlier stage before they turn into a full-scale breach.”

Core checklist for data protection in 2026

To increase cyber resilience, WatchGuard experts recommend a fundamental shift in how organizations view their internal security. The following checklist outlines the essential pillars of a modern identity-first defense:

Nachreiner concluded by reminding businesses that cybersecurity is not just a "cost" but an "insurance" for business continuity. In the 2026 landscape, protecting digital identities will remain the most critical layer of defense against an increasingly invisible enemy.

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