Session hijacking is when a third party takes over a web user session by obtaining the session key. The hijacker can use any privileges attached to that ID and intercept information flowing to and from the authorized user. To defend against session hijacking, companies use layered security protocols.
Sometimes referred to as TCP session hijacking, session hijacking is an incident in which a third party takes over a web user session by obtaining the session key and posing as the authorized user of that key. Once the hijacker successfully initiates the hijacking, he can use any of the privileges attached to that ID to perform tasks, including the use of information or resources that are passed between the session author and any participant. Hijacking of this type can be easily visible to all concerned or be virtually unnoticeable, depending on the actions taken by the hijacker.
The session hijacking process focuses on the protocols used to establish a user session, typically, the session ID is stored in a cookie or is embedded in a URL and requires some type of authentication on the user’s part to initiate the session. It is at this point that the hijacker can sometimes exploit flaws in network security and acquire that information. Once the ID is identified, the hijacker can monitor every data exchange that takes place during the session and use that data in any way it wishes.
Session hijacking is somewhat similar to a man-in-the-middle attack, in that the hijacker can intercept information flowing to and from the authorized user, copying or even altering it before passing it on to the intended recipient. This type of hijacking offers the added possibility of using the session to search for other data that is not being passed back and forth, assuming that computer network security does not detect what appears to be unusual activity connected with the authorized user. For this reason, session hijacking isn’t always about fraudulently obtaining proprietary information; sometimes, it’s simply a matter of disrupting an operation by altering data and feeding false information to sources where it will cause the most damage.
Finding ways to avoid exploiting possible weaknesses in the authentication process is part of the process of defending against session hijacking. To this end, many companies use layered security protocols that mask the authentication process as it happens. As with most security solutions, hackers continually discover ways around these preventative measures, making it necessary to constantly develop new processes that stop hijackers before they have a chance to steal or alter data as part of a spying operation corporate.
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