Account takeover attacks represent a significant cyber threat in which cyber criminals use stolen credentials to gain unauthorised control. These credentials are obtained from the dark web and generally result from social engineering tactics, data breaches, and phishing attacks. Cyber criminals employ automated bots to systematically test stolen credentials against several websites, including travel, finance, e-commerce, and social platforms. This process yields attackers a repository of verified credentials, which they may sell on the black market or exploit for gain.

Let’s understand the account takeover attack in detail.

How does Account Takeover Attack Work?

Account takeover attacks rely on the successful acquisition of a target account’s authentication details, typically a username and password combination. Attackers employ different methods to obtain this sensitive information, each exploiting different vulnerabilities within user behaviour and technological systems:

Credential Surfing

This method employs automated bots to attempt logins using lists of common or previously breached passwords. Many users employ weak or reused passwords across multiple accounts, making this approach effective.

Phishing

Attackers often utilise deceptive emails or messages containing malicious links that lead to counterfeit login pages. Unsuspecting users enter their credentials, which are then captured by the attackers, facilitating unauthorised access.

Malware

Malicious software can infiltrate a user’s device, enabling attackers to extract passwords through various means, such as scraping stored credentials from browser caches or capturing keystrokes during user logins.

Application Vulnerabilities

Beyond user accounts, applications can be vulnerable. Attackers may exploit flaws in application authentication systems or improperly secured accounts to gain access.

Stolen Cookies

Attackers can hijack cookies, which often store session information. If attackers gain access to these cookies, they can bypass the need for a password altogether, directly taking over a user’s active session.

Hardcoded Passwords

In many cases, applications require credentials for third-party services. If these passwords are hardcoded into the application code or configuration files, they can be inadvertently exposed, such as through public repositories on platforms like GitHub.

Compromised API Keys

API keys, which facilitate automated service access, can also be at risk. If these keys are exposed through insecure practices like being uploaded to public code repositories, attackers can exploit them to access associated accounts.

Network Traffic Sniffing

Although most communications are encrypted, some legacy protocols like Telnet remain unsecured. Attackers monitoring such unencrypted traffic can capture sensitive login credentials in transit.

Prevention Tips Against Account Takeover Attack

Education

Implementing an educational program is one of the most effective strategies for preventing account takeovers and safeguarding employees. Such programs should focus on the various techniques used in account takeover attacks, as well as preventive measures individuals can adopt. Given that many account takeover incidents stem from credentials exposed in data breaches, employees must understand the importance of promptly changing passwords, especially after their credentials appear in breach reports. This knowledge can significantly reduce the likelihood of successful attacks.

Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Utilising two-factor authentication is a robust defence against account takeover attempts, regardless of the attack vector, be it hacking, phishing, or botnets. 2FA requires users to provide a second form of identification in addition to their password. This could be something they know (a security question), something they possess (a security code on a mobile device), or biometric data (a fingerprint scan). By adding this extra layer of security, even if attackers manage to obtain a password, they will be blocked by the required second-level verification.

Sandboxing

Sandboxing is an effective technique for mitigating various types of malware threats. By isolating potentially harmful code in a controlled environment, sandboxing prevents the spread of malware within the network. For instance, if a hacker attempts to deploy a worm to infect multiple computers, sandboxing can contain the threat and stop it from moving laterally across the network. This proactive measure protects individual systems and helps maintain overall network integrity.

Conclusion

Detecting account takeover (ATO) attempts and implementing effective prevention measures is crucial for any website or organisation that offers credential-protected accounts. When a website is compromised, it can result in significant consumer trust erosion and lasting damage to the brand’s reputation. No online business or account holder is immune to ATO attacks, regardless of their size, ranging from large enterprises to smaller companies. This reality underscores the importance of adopting a proactive approach to secure account takeover prevention, detection, and protection measures.

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