Cookies are a way for websites to store small amounts of data on your device’s browser. For example, when you sign into Gmail, a cookie is made to help you bypass future login requirements.
How? Cookies contain session data, which is crucial at a time when multi-factor authentication makes site logins safer than ever before.
But recently, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) released a warning that every expert in cybersecurity in Miami - and around the world - listened to. Cybercriminals are using “remember-me” cookies to login to people’s email accounts without entering:
- Usernames
- Passwords
- Multifactor authentication
Prevention of these types of attacks starts with educating yourself and/or employees about these risks and protecting against them.
How Hackers Gain Access to Your Email Cookies
You might assume that without access to your device, no one will be able to access or copy your remember-me cookies. While device access could also be used in these types of attacks, the FBI’s warnings come after an increase in attacks from:
- Phishing links
- Malicious websites
Hackers will send malicious links and websites, and all it takes is one click for malicious software to be installed on your desktop. The software will then sit in the background and send your remember-me cookies back to the hacker.
Your cookies allow someone else to hijack your session and log into your email address.
If you’re not diligent, it can be weeks or months before you realize that someone has access to your email or other accounts.
Protecting Against Remember-me Hacking
You can protect against hackers gaining access to your remember-me cookies. Here’s how:
- Avoid clicking on the ‘remember me’ option. Manually logging into your email may seem like a hassle, but it’s the best way to avoid this type of attack. While convenient and far easier than logging into your account each time, remember me options do pose a security risk.
- Clear your cookies. We’re all guilty of not clearing our browser’s cookies because it’s inconvenient, but it’s good practice to do this regularly. Clearing cookies will force you to log in manually and reduce the risk of malicious software stealing your cookies.
- Monitor your device login history. Certain sites and email providers, such as Gmail, allow you to view your device login history. You should review this information once in a while to verify that you’re the only one logged into your account.
- Install security software: Be sure to use security software on every device that you use. Tools, such as Malwarebytes, can monitor your devices and identify malicious software that may be installed or quarantine files that are malware.
- Log out of sites: If you manually sign out of accounts after every use, it greatly limits the time a hacker has to steal your cookies. Making signing out a priority is good practice.
Working with a cybersecurity firm in Miami - like ours - allows you peace of mind that you’ve put the appropriate measures in place to prevent hackers from stealing your email cookies. Proactive measures are always better than trying to recover from a successful attack.