Cookies allow websites to identify customers when they spend time online. When a customer logs into the website or app, the browser understands it. It is only possible because of the temporary session cookies that the server has set.
Customers will stay logged in to the website while browsing and clicking via various pages. Without cookies, customers need to log in every time they open a new page on the website. To simplify the matter, websites use cookies that save their credentials.
If malicious actors infringe on their data and private information, they can take advantage of using them. In short, this particular method is popular as cookie or session hijacking. So, how does session hijacking?
Cookie Hijacking – How Does It Work?
After learning what is cookie stuffing, it's time to learn how it works. Session hijacking or cookie hijacking occurs when any malware program waits for users to log into any website. Soon after the user logs in, the malware will steal session cookies. That's how a cookie attack occurs. For example, a cookie attack happens when a malicious actor sends the customer a fake login.
As soon as the users click on that link, fraudsters receive their private information. Malicious actors put cookies in the browser and use a customer's personal details. Once the nefarious intruder gets the session cookie, they log in to the website.
Different Ways How a Fraudster Introduces a Cookie Hijacking Trap
Nefarious actors introduce cookie-hijacking traps in different ways. Here are the methods used:
- Cross-Site Scripting
Cross-Site Scripting occurs when malicious software gets injected via the running code. The scripts are the browser's side scripts. What affiliates do is use the method to target buyers. Users execute that script and believe it is from an authentic source.
Soon after the user accesses the scripts, affiliates access the session cookies, details, and other sensitive information. That's how affiliates hijack customers' journeys. They can also modify these cookies & include affiliate cookies.
- Click Hijacking
Click hijacking is a common fraud type when the fake click gets sent to the attribution directly after an installation begins.
To add affiliate cookies, fraudsters direct click elements like a blank space, CTA buttons, or footer. So, what if a user clicks on a hijacked component on an ad domain and opts for a purchase? In such a case, the affiliate will earn a commission, gaining favorable outcomes.
- Malware or Adware
Malware and adware are unwanted programs that may appear with valuable software. They may find their way into a customer's system. Attackers make use of these programs to penetrate cookies.
Adware induced in a victim's system offers remote access to the machine. And fraudsters may also navigate local systems & access cookies accordingly.
- Session Fixation
During session fixation attacks, malicious actors may target through a fixed session. Users remain trapped without logging in. The session may get established in different ways. But it occurs mainly via session identifiers from nefarious URLs or posts.
A traditional method a hacker adapts is sending an email that may appear to be arriving from a trusted entity. Fraudsters mimic the server session when customers open and follow the email link. Thus, a business needs affiliate cookie-stuffing monitoring &prevention solutions to protect its brand.
Session Hijacking Repercussions for Brands: What Should You Learn?
Cookie hijacking exploits the session control mechanism that cookies manage. The entire method forges valid cookies to steal user data. The most significant purpose of affiliate fraud is practicing cookie hijacking. Here are the three crucial consequences of affiliate trap and cookie hijacking:
- Reputational Damage of a Brand
Nefarious actors redirect users a wide range of times. Their prime purpose is to inject cookies into the system. What the adware does is affects users' experience while browsing online. As a result, it hampers their experience. But that's not the end of consequences. It also causes reputational damage to a reputable brand and disregards the trust of loyal customers.
- Disappointing User Experience
The prime job of malicious actors is to regulate cookies or sessions of customers. Soon after hijacking their session, they mimic an authorized user's actions and perform them accordingly.
It may access personal details and amend the whole session. Or worse, it may prevent users from performing their desired actions too. So, it leads to utmost disappointment. Users who observe fraudulent activity on the ad website lose confidence in the brand's products or services.
Protect Your Brand from Session Hijacking via VPT
Identifying active cookie hijacking practices is a challenging job for brands. That's when VPT and its team come to the rescue. Virus Positive Technologies can offer sought-after affiliate management services. Book an appointment with the team today. The professionals can assist a business with brand compliance monitoring solutions to protect its brand reputation.
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