Best Practices for Breach Data Analysis

Introduction

Breach data analysis has become an essential component of modern security operations. When used properly, it enables organizations to identify compromised credentials, assess their exposure, and take proactive measures before attackers can exploit stolen data.

This guide outlines best practices for conducting effective and ethical breach data analysis.

Understanding Breach Data

Types of Breach Data

1. Credential dumps: Username/password combinations from compromised databases
2. Combo lists: Aggregated credentials from multiple breaches
3. Stealer logs: Data harvested by infostealer malware
4. Database leaks: Full or partial database exports
5. Paste site content: Credentials shared on paste sites

Data Quality Considerations

Not all breach data is equal. Consider:

• Age: Older breaches may contain outdated credentials
• Source verification: Some "breaches" are recycled or fabricated
• Completeness: Partial dumps may lack context
• Format: Inconsistent formatting requires normalization

Setting Up Your Analysis Environment

Security Considerations

Breach data analysis requires careful operational security:

• Isolated environment: Use dedicated VMs or air-gapped systems
• No authentication: Never test credentials against live systems
• Data handling: Implement encryption and access controls
• Retention policies: Define and enforce data retention limits

Tools and Infrastructure

Essential components for breach data analysis:

• Database systems: PostgreSQL, Elasticsearch for large datasets
• Query tools: Custom scripts or platforms like SocialEye
• Visualization: Tools for pattern analysis and reporting
• Secure storage: Encrypted storage with access logging

Analysis Methodologies

1. Domain-Based Analysis

Search for credentials associated with your organization's domains:

Queries:
- @company.com
- @subsidiary.com
- @acquired-company.com

What to look for:

• Active employee credentials
• Former employee accounts
• Service accounts
• Shared mailboxes

2. User-Based Analysis

For targeted analysis of specific individuals:

• Personal email addresses (may appear in work contexts)
• Social media handles
• Phone numbers
• Usernames across platforms

3. Pattern Analysis

Identify concerning patterns:

• Password reuse: Same passwords across multiple breaches
• Weak passwords: Common or easily guessed credentials
• Sequential exposure: Users appearing in multiple recent breaches
• Credential stuffing targets: Accounts at high-value services

4. Temporal Analysis

Understanding breach timelines helps prioritize response:

• When was the breach first observed?
• How recently were credentials active?
• Is the breach actively being traded?

Prioritizing Findings

Critical Priority

• Active VPN or SSO credentials
• Admin or privileged accounts
• Service accounts with broad access
• Recently active credentials

High Priority

• Current employee accounts
• Credentials for sensitive systems
• Accounts with MFA bypass potential (cookies, tokens)

Medium Priority

• Former employee accounts (may retain access)
• Personal accounts of employees
• Older credentials that may still be valid

Lower Priority

• Historical breaches with likely rotated credentials
• Accounts for non-sensitive systems

Response Actions

Immediate Actions

1. Force password reset for confirmed exposures
2. Revoke active sessions
3. Review access logs for suspicious activity
4. Enable or enforce MFA

Short-Term Actions

1. Notify affected users with guidance
2. Audit for unauthorized access
3. Review and strengthen password policies
4. Update security awareness training

Long-Term Actions

1. Implement continuous monitoring
2. Deploy credential screening in authentication flows
3. Enhance detection for credential-based attacks
4. Regular breach data analysis cadence

Ethical Considerations

Authorized Use Only

• Only analyze data relevant to your organization
• Follow legal and regulatory requirements
• Maintain appropriate data handling procedures

Responsible Disclosure

• Report discovered vulnerabilities appropriately
• Don't exploit found credentials
• Consider notification of affected third parties

Leveraging SocialEye

Our platform streamlines breach data analysis:

• Comprehensive coverage: Query against billions of records
• Real-time updates: Access newly surfaced data immediately
• Domain monitoring: Automated alerts for new exposures
• Structured output: Actionable intelligence, not raw data

Conclusion

Effective breach data analysis requires a combination of the right tools, sound methodology, and ethical practices. By following these best practices, security teams can identify exposures early and take action before attackers can capitalize on stolen credentials.

Start analyzing your organization's exposure today. Try SocialEye free with 100 queries to start.