Cookie Theft
Cookie Theft Definition
Cookie theft is a type of cyberattack that compromises and exploits cookies on a device. A cookie is a small text file that websites store on your device when you access them using a browser. It typically contains details about your connection, including your login credentials, IP address, and search history. If an attacker steals these cookies, they could hijack your session and compromise your accounts without knowing your password.
How Cookie Theft Works
Cybercriminals can steal session cookies from a device using a range of different methods, including:
- Phishing attacks: Attackers use fake messages and emails to trick a target into clicking on a malicious link or sharing personal details.
- Malware infections: Cybercriminals infect your device with malicious code or programs, like spyware.
- Vulnerable websites: Malicious actors compromise sites with poor security and use them to run cookie-stealing scripts.
- MITM (man-in-the-middle) attacks: Unencrypted networks allow attackers to intercept data a browser shares with sites.
Risks of Cookie Theft
The primary risk of cookie theft is session hijacking, which lets the attacker take over a connection to a website. That could lead to several other risks, including:
- Compromised accounts: Cybercriminals can access and control of accounts without needing a password.
- Loss of privacy: Once logged in, attackers can read private messages and access stored files.
- Identity theft: Cybercriminals can steal personal information and use it to impersonate the target or sell it on the Dark Web.
- Financial loss: Malicious actors could make unauthorized purchases or money transfers using hijacked accounts.
Cookie Theft Prevention Tips
- Use secure websites: HTTPS websites encrypt your traffic and enable secure cookie transfers.
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): Adding an extra step to the login process makes it harder for attackers to take over accounts.
- Turn off auto-login: This eliminates long-term active sessions, which are easier to compromise.
- Avoid unsecured public networks: A VPN encrypts traffic and changes an IP address to help secure internet traffic on unprotected Wi-Fi.
- Clear cookies regularly: Doing so limits how long attackers can use stolen session cookies.
- Use an antivirus: This security software protects a device against malware infections that could steal cookies.
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FAQ
Cookie theft takes place when a malicious actor uses cyberattacks to steal session cookies. These are text files that websites store on your device to remember session information, such as your preferences and login credentials. Cybercriminals can steal them through phishing attacks, malware infections, vulnerable websites, and man-in-the-middle attacks to hijack your session and access your accounts without a password.
If a cybercriminal steals your session cookies, they can take over your connection to a website. This would allow the attacker to log into your accounts without a password, read your private details, steal personal information to impersonate you, and commit financial fraud.
It can. Regularly clearing cookies can limit the time a cybercriminal has to use stolen cookies. There are also other things you can do to prevent cookie theft, like using only HTTPS sites, enabling two-factor authentication (2FA), installing an antivirus, and turning off auto-login.
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