2024 Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report: Key Trends and Lessons Learned

Introduction

With over 30,000 security incidents analyzed, the 2024 Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report (DBIR) remains one of the most respected and referenced resources in the cybersecurity industry. Drawing on data from law enforcement agencies, cybersecurity vendors, and forensic teams, the DBIR provides one of the most comprehensive, data-driven views of today’s global threat landscape.

This year’s report examines more than 10,000 confirmed breaches, breaking down attack patterns, root causes, and how these trends have evolved.

Here’s our in-depth analysis of the six biggest takeaways from the 2024 DBIR — plus actionable lessons you can apply to strengthen your defenses.

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1. Top Attack Vectors: Credentials, Phishing, and Vulnerability Exploits

The “Ways In Enumeration” chart in the DBIR highlights the most common methods attackers use to gain initial access to a network.

Credentials

• Breaches where attackers use stolen or weak usernames and passwords.
• Still the easiest and most prevalent entry point for cybercriminals.
• Nearly half of credential breaches involve web applications.

Phishing

• Includes social engineering attacks.
• Remains one of the most consistent and effective attack methods year-over-year.
• Positive trend: Reporting rates rose to 20%, with more users identifying phishing attempts.

Vulnerability Exploits

• 180% increase year-over-year — the sharpest rise in the last four years.
• This surge brings exploitation nearly equal to phishing as an attack vector.
• Key drivers: high-profile vulnerabilities like MOVEit.

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2. Deep Dive: How These Attacks Happen

Credential Breaches – Web Applications

Web applications remain a prime target — not just for technical exploits, but also through stolen credentials. This reinforces the need for:

• Strong password policies
• Multi-factor authentication (MFA)
• Regular credential audits

Phishing – Email

• Median time to click a malicious link: 21 seconds.
• Median time to submit credentials after clicking: 28 seconds.
• Total median time to compromise: < 60 seconds.

Vulnerability Exploitation

• Growth tied to web applications, VPNs, and desktop sharing software.
• VPN vulnerabilities continue to be exploited, driving adoption of Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) — though standards vary across vendors.

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3. The Human Factor in Breaches

The DBIR emphasizes that 68% of breaches involve the human element — including:

• Human error
• Social engineering (phishing, pretexting)
• Privilege misuse (malicious cases excluded from this stat for clarity)

Key takeaway:

Even the strongest technical defenses can fail if people are not trained and aware. This underscores the importance of:

• Continuous cybersecurity awareness programs
• MFA and strong access controls
• Data loss prevention measures

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4. Supply Chain Attacks on the Rise

The DBIR’s new metric tracking supply chain-related breaches shows:

• A significant year-over-year increase.
• Many incidents tied to exploitation of third-party software vulnerabilities — including the MOVEit breach.
• Attack types: vulnerability exploitation, backdoors, and extortion.

Mitigation strategies:

• Vet vendors for security practices
• Implement third-party risk management
• Use SBOMs (Software Bill of Materials) to track software components

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5. Practical Defense Strategies from the DBIR Data

Phishing Defense

• 68% of human-element breaches involve phishing.
• Deploy advanced email filtering, MFA, and phishing simulations.

Credential Protection

• Nearly 50% of credential breaches involve stolen credentials in web apps.
• Use MFA, password managers, and regular permission reviews.

Zero Trust Approach

• Vulnerability exploitation is up 180%.
• ZTNA can limit access without relying on exposed VPNs.

Supply Chain Security

• Supply chain breaches up 68% YoY.
• Vet vendors, require SBOMs, and apply vendor risk frameworks.

Vulnerability Management

• Patch quickly, especially web apps, VPNs, and collaboration tools.

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6. Why the DBIR Matters

The DBIR isn’t just another industry report — it’s a blueprint for understanding how real-world breaches happen. By combining this data with your own incident reports, you can:

• Identify the most relevant threats to your organization
• Prioritize your security investments
• Strengthen defenses where attackers are most likely to strike

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Conclusion

The 2024 Verizon DBIR shows that attackers continue to favor tried-and-true methods like credential theft, phishing, and vulnerability exploitation — but the rise in supply chain compromises signals a broader risk landscape.

Whether you’re a security leader, SOC analyst, or IT admin, using DBIR insights to train users, protect credentials, patch vulnerabilities, and vet vendors will go a long way toward reducing your exposure.

You can access the full DBIR here — highly recommended reading for anyone responsible for protecting systems, data, or users.