Best Methods for Preventing and Containing Account Takeovers

Account takeovers (ATOs) are a growing threat for organizations of every size, especially those relying on cloud-based platforms like Google Workspace and Microsoft 365. According to industry research, over half of ATO victims experience multiple compromised accounts due to password reuse. Regardless of the root cause, the financial and reputational fallout can be severe. As attackers become more sophisticated, businesses need a layered, proactive approach to both prevent and contain these incidents.

Why Account Takeover Prevention Matters

Account takeovers don’t just lead to lost data—they can trigger business email compromise (BEC), data leaks, regulatory fines, and even operational shutdowns. Attackers often exploit weak passwords, phishing, and unpatched software to gain access, then move quickly to maximize their gains before detection.

Imagine an attacker gaining access to a C-level executive’s email. Sensitive files, confidential conversations, and even financial transactions are suddenly at risk. The cost of a single breach can far outweigh the investment in robust prevention.

Core Methods for Account Takeover Prevention

Strong Password Policies and Credential Hygiene

Weak or reused passwords are a leading cause of ATOs. Enforcing strong password policies is a foundational step:

• Require complex, unique passwords for every account
• Prohibit password reuse across different services
• Encourage or require the use of password managers
• Mandate regular password updates

A recent survey found that 70% of ATO victims reused passwords, and 53% suffered multiple account breaches as a result[1].

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

MFA adds a critical second layer of defense. Even if a password is compromised, attackers can’t access the account without the second factor:

• Use app-based authenticators or hardware tokens for higher security
• Avoid relying solely on SMS, which can be vulnerable to SIM swapping
• Apply MFA to all accounts, especially those with access to sensitive data

“Effective account takeover prevention starts with strong customer identity verification. Multi-factor authentication—often involving two distinct factors—has been a major step forward in protecting accounts.”[1]

Employee Education and Phishing Awareness

Human error remains a top risk. Regular training helps employees spot phishing and social engineering attempts:

• Run simulated phishing campaigns to reinforce learning
• Teach staff to recognize suspicious emails and links
• Encourage reporting of potential threats

Timely Software Updates and Patch Management

Unpatched software is a common entry point for attackers. Keeping systems up to date is non-negotiable:

• Apply security patches as soon as they’re released
• Update operating systems, applications, and security tools regularly
• Automate updates where possible to reduce human error

Access Controls and Least Privilege

Limiting access reduces the blast radius of a compromised account:

• Grant users only the permissions they need (least privilege)
• Regularly review and update access rights, especially after role changes
• Use role-based access control (RBAC) or attribute-based access control (ABAC) for granular management

Monitoring and Real-Time Detection

Early detection is key to containing ATOs before damage spreads:

• Monitor for unusual login locations, device changes, or access patterns
• Set up alerts for suspicious activity, such as multiple failed logins or rapid data downloads
• Use behavioral analytics to spot anomalies that traditional tools might miss[2]

Containing Account Takeovers: Incident Response Essentials

Even with strong prevention, no system is foolproof. A well-prepared incident response plan limits the impact of an ATO:

Step-by-Step Containment Process

1. Detect and Alert: Use automated tools to flag suspicious activity in real time.
2. Isolate the Account: Temporarily disable or restrict access to prevent further misuse.
3. Investigate: Determine the scope of the breach—what data was accessed, and whether other accounts are affected.
4. Remediate: Reset passwords, revoke unauthorized sessions, and apply additional security controls.
5. Communicate: Notify affected users and stakeholders, following regulatory requirements.
6. Review and Improve: Analyze the incident to strengthen defenses and update response plans.

For example, a company discovers a compromised admin account. Automated detection tools flag the anomaly, the account is locked, and an investigation reveals the attacker accessed sensitive files. The team resets credentials, notifies users, and updates training to address the phishing technique used.

Material Security’s Approach: Unified Detection and Response

Material Security stands out by combining email security, data protection, account takeover prevention, and posture management in a single platform designed for Google Workspace and Microsoft 365. Here’s what sets it apart:

• Automated Remediation: Quickly contain threats by locking accounts, revoking sessions, and removing malicious emails—automatically.
• Identity Threat Detection: Go beyond email to monitor risky behavior across cloud accounts, including file sharing and permission changes.
• Data Loss Prevention (DLP): Protect sensitive data in email and cloud storage with real-time classification and policy enforcement.
• Seamless Integration: No need to reroute email traffic or disrupt user workflows; Material Security connects directly via API.
• Visibility and Control: Get a unified view of threats, user activity, and security posture across your cloud environment.

“Material Security automates remediation of security issues while maintaining productivity and collaboration capabilities."

Industry Trends and Frameworks

The shift to cloud workspaces has made traditional perimeter defenses less effective. Modern frameworks like Zero Trust and Identity Security Posture Management (ISPM) emphasize continuous verification, least privilege, and real-time monitoring. According to recent Gartner research, organizations adopting these models see a measurable reduction in ATO incidents and data loss.

Quick Tips: Preventing Account Takeovers

• Use unique, strong passwords for every account
• Enable multi-factor authentication everywhere
• Train employees to spot phishing and social engineering
• Keep software and security tools up to date
• Limit access to sensitive data and review permissions regularly
• Monitor for unusual activity and respond quickly to alerts

Closing Thoughts

Account takeovers are a persistent threat, but you don’t have to face them alone. Material Security’s unified platform gives you the tools to prevent, detect, and contain ATOs—without sacrificing productivity or collaboration. Want to see how it works in your environment? Contact us for a personalized demo.

“Protect your cloud workspace from account takeovers and data loss—before attackers get a foothold.”

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References

1. Account Takeover Fraud: Everything You Need to Know for Prevention
2. Account Takeover Fraud: When Criminals Become Clients

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