– Hackers Exploit New Flaws to Infiltrate Secure Accounts. Cybercriminals Are Stealing Cookies to Bypass Multifactor Authentication.
Cybercriminals have indeed found ways to bypass multifactor authentication (MFA) by using cookie theft techniques, specifically by exploiting session cookies. Here’s how it works:
Session Cookies and "Remember Me" Option: When you log into a website and select "Remember Me," a session cookie is created. This cookie essentially stores authentication data, allowing you to stay logged in without re-entering your credentials each time. These cookies are stored in your browser, and cybercriminals can steal them through various techniques.
Cookie Theft Techniques: Attackers may use malware, phishing, or man-in-the-middle attacks to steal session cookies from a device. Once they have a valid session cookie, they can impersonate the user without needing the username, password, or MFA code because the cookie already contains the necessary authentication token.
Bypassing MFA: Since the attacker is essentially "replaying" a valid session, MFA isn't triggered. The system assumes the user is still logged in, so the attacker gains access without ever needing to complete MFA again.
Steps for Protection:
Avoid using public or shared devices for sensitive logins.
Regularly log out of sensitive accounts instead of relying on “Remember Me.”
Use updated antivirus software and avoid clicking on suspicious links or emails, which are common ways attackers gain access to devices.
The FBI’s warning underscores that while MFA remains an essential security tool, it’s not foolproof against more sophisticated attacks.
"Remember me" cookies are not the same as allowing your browser, like Edge or Chrome, to remember your password.
"Remember Me" session cookies and browser-saved passwords are different, though they serve similar purposes in making login easier.
Here's how they differ:
"Remember Me" Cookies:
When you select "Remember Me" on a website, the website stores a session cookie on your device. This cookie holds a token that identifies you as an authenticated user.
This cookie allows you to stay logged in for an extended period without re-entering your credentials, but it doesn’t store your actual password.
The cookie is specific to that login session, so if an attacker steals it, they can access your account without needing to know or enter your password or MFA credentials.
Browser-Saved Passwords:
Browsers like Edge and Chrome offer to save your username and password for each site you visit. This saved password is stored within the browser, often protected by encryption and accessible only with your device password or biometric authentication.
Browser-stored passwords aren't shared with websites during each login. Instead, the browser autofills your credentials when you visit a login page.
These saved passwords are safe from cookie-stealing attacks, but they can be exposed if an attacker has physical or remote access to your device.
So, while both are tools for simplifying login, "Remember Me" cookies are temporary tokens specific to a login session, whereas browser-saved passwords are securely stored credentials. They’re separate mechanisms, and each has its own vulnerabilities.
If a website asks "Remember me on this computer," it typically refers to setting a "remember me" cookie. Browser-saved passwords can be risky because if someone hacks or gets into your device, they may be able to access your saved passwords easily.
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