What Does “Hackers Using Its Network” Really Mean?

Imagine waking up to find out your company’s network was hijacked overnight—used not only to steal your data but also as a launchpad for cyberattacks against others. This isn’t a distant scenario. In fact, according to Verizon’s 2024 Data Breach Investigations Report, over 60% of breaches involve attackers leveraging a victim’s own network for lateral movement or launching additional attacks.

The reality of hackers using its network is one that enterprises, small businesses, and even individual users must understand. Cybercriminals don’t just infiltrate networks—they weaponize them. Let’s explore how attackers exploit networks, what risks businesses face, and the defenses needed to prevent becoming part of the problem.

When cybersecurity experts talk about “hackers using its network,” they refer to attackers infiltrating a legitimate network and leveraging it for malicious purposes. Instead of just stealing data, hackers repurpose the network itself as a ...