EXPERTS have warned about hackers who try to get access to users’ devices in order to steal their information and money.
Hackers and scammers utilize many methods to trick unsuspecting victims out of their money.
One of the most nefarious types of cyberattacks is called session hijacking.
WHAT IS SESSION HIJACKING?
This describes a type of attack in which an attacker steals a user’s session ID to gain access to their browsing session.
A threat actor can carry out a session hijacking attack in a number of ways.
For example, they could use a so-called packet sniffer to intercept the communication between the user and the server.
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In turn, this allows the hacker to monitor the information that’s being sent and received.
They can then use this information to gain a user’s credentials and log in to their account.
Another common way to session hijack is by deploying malware that can infect a user’s device.
“This gives the hacker direct access to the machine, enabling them to then hijack any active sessions,” the International Council of E-Commerce Consultants (EC Council) writes in a blog post.
Some warning signs of a session hijacking include:
- Being logged out of your account unexpectedly
- Seeing unauthorized activity in your account
- Receiving emails or messages from someone claiming to be you
THE RISKS
There are many risks associated with a session hijacking, including theft of personal information.
Session hijacking can give hackers access to your passwords, credit card numbers, and sensitive data.
Hackers may also use the cyberattack to infect your computer with malware, which could give them remote access to your device.
HOW TO STAY SAFE
There are a number of ways to prevent session hijacking, according to the EC Council.
For starters, you should ensure you’re using strong passwords and multifactor authentication.
Only share session IDs with trusted sources, and be careful when sharing links or sending requests to websites.
Use a VPN to help protect your traffic from being intercepted by attackers.
Keep your software up to date as new updates include security patches that can help protect you from cyberattacks.
Use a firewall and antivirus software to block unauthorized access to your computer, and detect and remove malware.
Never click on links in emails or messages from people you don’t know as they could be malicious.
