Communications of the ACM Features Nizich’s Insight

Michael Nizich, Ph.D., director of the ETIC and adjunct associate professor of computer science, is featured prominently in a cybersecurity-focused article by Communications of the ACM. Nizich discusses the threat posed by Initial Access Brokers (IABs), or breach brokers, who sell unauthorized network access to hackers, enabling them to carry on cyberattacks. According to Nizich, IABs are the first to identify vulnerabilities and gain access in ways that other cybercriminals are not yet aware of. They then sell access to these systems, often belonging to high-profile public companies, to the highest bidder. He also notes that ransomware groups may sell leads to IABS when they identify unauthorized network access opportunities that they themselves do not want to pursue, leading to additional threats.