Kaspersky Sounds the Alarm on Web Session Hijacking Risks
Kaspersky’s latest research highlights a significant cybersecurity concern: web session hijacking. While nearly all websites (87% in a recent survey) now display cookie notifications, a concerning number of users remain oblivious to the potential threats lurking within these seemingly innocuous data files. This lack of awareness, particularly within the developing digital landscape of Africa, makes individuals and businesses vulnerable to exploitation.
The Danger of Hijacked Sessions
Cookies, those small text files stored by your browser, are intended to improve your browsing experience and track website activity. However, they can also become a gateway for cyberattacks. A particularly insidious threat is session ID hijacking. This involves an attacker gaining unauthorized access to your active session on a website. Imagine someone gaining control of your online banking or e-commerce account – they could access sensitive data, make unauthorized transactions, or even impersonate you. The potential for financial loss and reputational damage is substantial, especially for businesses operating in Africa where digital trust is still being built. Depending on the website’s security configuration, cookie files can store diverse data, sometimes including personal details like phone numbers.
In light of data protection regulations like GDPR, which are influencing data privacy standards globally, including in Africa, Kaspersky’s report underscores the critical importance of robust cookie management. Protecting both personal and corporate information from exploitation requires greater awareness and proactive security measures.
Keywords
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