Unpatched Vulnerabilities Overtake Stolen Credentials as Top Breach Vector

Verizon's 2026 Data Breach Investigations Report shows exploitation of unpatched vulnerabilities now accounts for 31% of breaches, surpassing stolen credentials for the first time. This shift reflects the erosion of the network perimeter as remote access becomes standard, making endpoint management a critical security priority. The finding signals a structural change in attack patterns that may drive increased spending on endpoint detection and response solutions.