Session Hijacking
Every executive understands the importance of ensuring the security of their business data. Today, well explore a cyber threat called Session Hijacking in easy-to-understand language, highlighting its implications for today businesses.
1. Definition
Session Hijacking, also known as sidejacking, cookie hijacking, amongst other names, is when an unauthorized individual grabs the session cookie of another user to take control of their online session. Think of it as digital eavesdropping, where the hijacker can view, manipulate or even steal sensitive information.
2. History
The issue of session hijacking began surfacing prominently in the late 1990s with the proliferation of the internet and online activities. As technology advanced, so did the strategies employed by cybercriminals. Today, it remains a significant cyber threat, fueled by the increased use of web applications and cloud services.
3. Examples
- The Twitter Hack of 2009: A notorious hacker was able to gain administrative access to Twitters internal systems by hijacking a session. This breach led to the unauthorized access of numerous high-profile accounts, causing significant damage to the company’s reputation.
- Target Data Breach (2013): Through session hijacking, hackers gained access to point-of-sale (PoS) systems, stealing credit and debit card data of millions of Targets customers, leading to substantial financial losses and harming the company’s reputation.
4. Insight
While session hijacking can be daunting, there are many ways to mitigate its risks. One often overlooked step is to ensure that all web-based applications and services are only accessible over HTTPS, which encrypts the data, making it hard for hijackers to steal valuable information.
5. Call to Action (CTA)
Without the right strategies in place, your business could be susceptible to session hijacking and its damaging effects. To gain a thorough understanding of your company’s cybersecurity posture and identify potential weaknesses, consider benefitting from our professional security assessments and strategic IT security consulting services. We also offer Fractional CISO services for businesses that need top-notch security leadership without the high costs associated with full-time CISOs. Contact us for a free consultation.
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