The time hackers stay logged into a compromised system varies depending on several factors, including the type of attack, the attacker’s goals, and the system’s security measures. Here are some general statistics:

1. Dwell Time: This is the amount of time attackers remain undetected in a system after gaining access.

   • According to FireEye’s M-Trends 2020 report, the median dwell time for cyberattacks in 2019 was 56 days globally, though in some regions and sectors, it could be shorter or longer.
   • In 2021, IBM’s X-Force Threat Intelligence Index reported that the median dwell time was reduced to around 11 days in cases detected by internal security teams, due to better detection and response capabilities.

2. Ransomware Attacks: In ransomware cases, attackers often stay logged in for a few hours to a few days while they exfiltrate data or move laterally through the network. Some sophisticated attacks, however, can see attackers lurking for weeks before deploying the ransomware.

3. Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs): These hackers may stay in systems for months or even years, maintaining stealthy, low-visibility access. CrowdStrike’s 2020 Global Threat Report noted that some APT groups had dwell times extending to over a year in some instances.

Click here for a deeper dive if you suspect haker activity.