Cookie theft: how fraudsters get the digital key to your accounts
Summary
Cookie theft occurs when malware steals active session cookies from a device, letting fraudsters access accounts without entering a password or triggering some login checks. Logging out, limiting downloads, clearing cookies, and using a password manager can help reduce the risk; suspected victims should scan devices, end active sessions, and change passwords.Key Facts
- A session cookie keeps a person logged into a website as they move between pages.
- An active stolen cookie can let a fraudster use an account and may bypass multifactor authentication.
- The article says malware, often hidden in downloaded software or browser extensions, can steal cookies from a browser’s database.
- Fraudsters may use hijacked sessions to access bank accounts, redirect purchases, or scam a victim’s contacts.
- Signs of possible malware include unusual slowdowns, fast battery drain, crashes, browser redirects, pop-ups, or a changed homepage.
- Closing a browser tab does not necessarily end a session; manually logging out invalidates the session cookie.
- The article recommends careful downloading, using a dedicated password manager, and clearing cookies regularly.
- If an account may be compromised, run an antivirus scan, log out of accounts on all devices, and change passwords.
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