Hackers steal cookies , especially “Remember Me” cookies , in order to bypass multi-factor authentication and gain access to users’ emails.
The FBI Atlanta is warning the public about increasing cookie theft in the area, where hackers are exploiting these types of cookies to log into user accounts.
Read more: Cisco: Data theft from DevHub portal will not lead to new breaches
Hackers use various access methods, such as malware , which can infect victims' devices or lure them to suspicious websites and click on phishing links. The breach of multi-factor authentication via cookies makes this method of cookie theft more attractive to hackers .
Cookies are small pieces of data that websites use to remember information about users. They are stored in the browser and can be exploited by cybercriminals. According to former FBI digital crime expert Trevor Hilligoss, most browsers store cookies in a local database.
See also: Los Angeles: HACLA breached – Cactus ransomware responsible?
“Remember Me” cookies make it easier for users to log in to their accounts faster by storing login details for around 30 days. This means that hackers can use stolen cookies to bypass the authentication process and gain access to victims’ accounts.
Source: cybernews
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