In today’s interconnected business world, the most dangerous cyber threats often don’t come from the outside. They originate within the organization itself — hidden in the tools employees use every day.
ThreatMon’s new report, Invisible Attack, explores how unauthorized and unlicensed software has become a silent entry point for cyber risks, revealing a threat landscape that many companies still overlook.
Based on data from over 3 million records collected between 2007 and 2025, the report uncovers how the uncontrolled circulation of professional software has evolved into a cyber-threat ecosystem of its own.
In sectors like engineering, design, media production, and architecture, where professional software is both expensive and essential, employees under project pressure often turn to “temporary” or “free” versions.
But behind these quick fixes, attackers hide backdoors, malicious code, and persistent surveillance tools.
As the report states, “today’s most invisible attack surface is no longer external — it’s hidden within the company itself.”
Unlicensed software often disables update mechanisms, leaving critical vulnerabilities unpatched.
Recent examples like CVE-2025-30324 to 30326 show how malicious image files (.PSD, .TIFF) can trigger code execution simply when opened a 30–50% probability of unnoticed compromise.
Attackers exploit the trust users place in familiar software names. Fake installers such as “Adobe Photoshop Setup” have been used to deploy Remote Access Tools (RATs), granting attackers full control of systems and access to confidential files.
Beyond data loss, incidents cause production delays, legal exposure, and erosion of internal trust. Employees begin doubting their systems, collaboration declines, and security culture weakens a ripple effect often more damaging than the initial breach.
Using unauthorized tools isn’t just a technical risk — it’s a legal and contractual one.
Violations can lead to heavy fines, contract termination, or even blacklisting, especially in regulated sectors like defense or government.
Frameworks such as ISO 27001, NIST CSF, and SOC 2 now view software inventory management and license verification as core controls.
Meanwhile, evolving regulations like NIS2, DORA, and the AI Act (EU) or CIRCIA (US) are redefining visibility and accountability in cybersecurity.
The report calls for a shift in how organizations think about security — from external firewalls to internal visibility and behavior awareness.
Increase Visibility: Know what software runs where and why.
Reduce Operational Pressure: Provide safe, rapid licensing solutions to prevent risky shortcuts.
Isolate and Verify: Use virtual machines or sandboxing for critical workflows.
Build Cultural Awareness: Train teams to recognize that one unsafe click can compromise an entire network.
The conclusion is clear:
“True security is no longer defined by absolute protection, but by awareness that can read probabilities early.”
To stay ahead, organizations must integrate:
Threat Intelligence — detect behaviors, not just incidents.
Software Management — control what enters the ecosystem.
Risk Communication — make security part of every business decision.
Invisible Attack reminds us that cyber threats are no longer loud, obvious, or external.
They hide inside daily workflows, disguised as productivity tools.
The next frontier of cybersecurity isn’t at the network’s edge it’s within the organization itself.
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