We all love a good snack—Oreos, Chips Ahoy—but the cookies we’re talking about here aren’t the delicious kind. These are the cookies your browser uses to remember you online, and keeping them safe is a whole other ballgame.
Recently, the FBI sounded the alarm about a sneaky scam involving stolen session cookies. Cybercriminals are using these cookies to bypass even multi-factor authentication (MFA)—yep, they can sneak in despite your best security efforts.
How Does Cookie Theft Happen?
When you log into a website (say, Gmail or Outlook), the server creates a session cookie—a unique ID that tells the website, “Hey, it’s really you!” This cookie often lasts 7 to 30 days, thanks to the handy-dandy “Remember Me” option. Convenient, right?
Here’s the catch:
- That session cookie gets saved in your browser.
- If a scammer steals it, they can log in as you without needing your password or MFA.
- How do they get it? Often through hidden malware, malicious websites, or unsecured networks.
It’s like handing over a backstage pass to your private information without even realizing it.
How to Protect Yourself and Your Cookies
In A Nutshell . . .
With a few smart habits, you can keep those digital cookies safe and sound.
- Skip “Remember Me.” Yes, it’s tempting to click that box, but logging in manually each time is worth the extra few seconds.
- Log Out Regularly. After you’re done checking email, log out. This wipes the session ID from the server, making it useless to hackers.
- Secure Your Devices. Use robust security software and schedule frequent scans to catch malware before it can steal your cookies.
Think of it like this: protecting your digital cookies is just as important as guarding your snack stash. A little vigilance goes a long way in keeping cybercriminals out of your inbox and your business.