How cookie theft lets fraudsters hijack your online accounts
Cybercriminals steal active session cookies to impersonate victims, bypass passwords and multi‑factor authentication, and drain accounts or commit fraud.
At a glance
- In the year to June, NordVPN identified 52 billion stolen cookies circulating online.
- Hackers steal active session cookies via malware, letting them act as the user without a password or MFA.
- Experts advise logging out manually, using a password manager, clearing cookies, and running antivirus scans to reduce risk.
Fraudsters can steal the session cookies that keep you logged into your bank or email, allowing them to act as you without needing your password. These cookies are essentially digital keys that stay active as long as you remain logged in, even after you close the browser tab.
How cookie theft works When you log into a website, a unique session cookie is stored on your device. If malware is inadvertently downloaded, it can access your browser’s database, grab all active session cookies, and send them to the hacker. The thief then has the same access as you, bypassing passwords and often multi‑factor authentication (MFA). NordVPN’s chief technology officer, Marijus Briedis, says cookies have become the primary target for hackers, with 52 billion stolen cookies circulating online in the year to June.
Signs of compromise You may not realize you are a victim until you notice suspicious activity. Red flags include a device that suddenly struggles with simple tasks, faster battery drain, frequent crashes, or a browser that behaves oddly with redirects, pop‑ups, or a changed homepage. Alerts from sites asking if you attempted changes can also signal a breach.
Protecting yourself - **Log out manually** – closing a tab does not end the session; you must log out to invalidate the cookie. - **Use a password manager** – store passwords outside the browser to reduce exposure. - **Clear cookies regularly** – this limits what can be stolen. - **Avoid insecure public Wi‑Fi** for sites that require login, though the risk is low. - **Run antivirus scans** and change passwords if you suspect compromise. - **Enable MFA** wherever possible; it still offers more protection than a simple password. - **Alert your bank** immediately if you notice any suspicious payments.
By staying vigilant about the software you download and making a habit of proper logouts, you can greatly reduce the chance that a hacker will grab your digital key.
Source: The Guardian Business.
Questions and answers
- What is cookie theft?
- Cookie theft, also called session hijacking, occurs when fraudsters steal the active session cookie that keeps you logged into a website, allowing them to impersonate you.
- How can I tell if my device is infected?
- Signs include sluggish performance, faster battery drain, frequent crashes, and odd browser behavior such as redirects, pop‑ups, or a changed homepage.
- What steps should I take if I suspect my account has been compromised?
- Run an antivirus scan, log out of all devices, change your passwords, enable MFA where possible, and alert your bank of any suspicious activity.
Original reporting: The Guardian Business (theguardian.com)
marijus briedissession hijackingnordvpncybersecurity
