What is Session Hijacking in Ethical Hacking?

• 15 December, 2024
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What is Session Hijacking in Ethical Hacking?

There are several topics included in ethical hacking. However, there is one of the most interesting topics is session hijacking. What is Session Hijacking in Ethical Hacking? If you want to know about Session Hijacking, you can read this amazing article.

Moreover, learning about such topics can develop the skills of aspiring students. Apart from that, we have introduced a reputed training institute that will offer the best learning experience. What are we waiting for? Let’s get straight to the point!

What is session hijacking?

By stealing or altering the session token, an attacker can take control of a user’s active session in a cybersecurity attack known as “session hijacking.” This gives the attacker the ability to pose as the user and gain access to private information or systems.

It frequently takes advantage of session management flaws or unprotected communications. If you haven’t figured out What is Session Hijacking in Ethical Hacking? Yet you can read further!

How Does Session Hijacking Work?

What are the different types of session hijacking?

The following are different types of session hijacking:

1. Active Attacks:

• Session Sniffing: Obtaining legitimate session tokens by intercepting network traffic.
• Cross-Site Scripting (XSS): Stealing session cookies by inserting malicious scripts into webpages.
• Session Fixation: Requiring a user to use a particular session ID that the attacker controls.

2. Passive Attacks:

• Blind Hijacking: Introducing information into communications that have been intercepted without observing any reactions.
• ARP Spoofing: Rerouting network traffic through manipulation of the Address Resolution Protocol.
• UDP Hijacking: Taking advantage of flaws in UDP protocols to take over sessions.

The Impact of Session Hijacking

Tools for Detecting Session Hijacking

Following are some of the tools for detecting session hijacking:

1. Network Intrusion Detection Systems (NIDS): Keep an eye on network traffic for any questionable activity, like odd data transfers or login attempts.
2. Web Application Firewalls (WAFs): Filter and block malicious traffic to protect web applications from attacks, such as session hijacking.
3. Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) Systems: Gather and examine security logs from multiple sources to spot irregularities and possible dangers.
4. Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDPS): Use network traffic and system logs to identify and stop attacks, such as session hijacking.
5. Network Packet Analyzers: To spot questionable activity, like attempts at session hijacking, record and examine network traffic.

Techniques for Detecting Session Hijacking

Following are some of the techniques for detecting session hijacking:

1. Session Timeout: Reduce the amount of time an attacker has to act by setting brief session timeouts.
2. Strong Password Policies: To stop unwanted access, enforce the use of strong, one-of-a-kind passwords.
3. HTTPS: To protect sensitive information, use HTTPS to encrypt client-server communications.
4. HTTP Strict Transport Security (HSTS): To stop downgrade attacks, make browsers use HTTPS.
5. Regular Security Audits: To find weaknesses and vulnerabilities, do routine security audits.
6. User Behavior Analytics (UBA): Keep an eye on user behavior to spot any irregularities that might point to a compromise.
7. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Demand extra verification procedures, like SMS codes or biometrics, in addition to passwords.
8. Regular Patching and Updates: Update systems and software with the most recent security patches.
9. Secure Coding Practices: Use secure coding techniques to reduce web application vulnerabilities.
10. Monitoring Logs: Check application and system logs frequently for unusual activity.

Prevent Cyberattacks as a Certified Ethical Hacker

Response and Recovery After an Attack

Following are some of the ways to respond and recover from a session hijacking attack:

1. Immediate Response: Change passwords, disconnect the compromised session, and take emergency action.
2. Investigate the Incident: Examine network traffic, security systems, and logs to determine the scope and underlying cause of the breach.
3. Patch and Secure Systems: To stop future attacks, update software, apply security patches, and fortify security configurations.
4. Notify Affected Parties: Notify the appropriate parties about the incident and the actions taken to reduce the risks, including clients, staff members, and government agencies.
5. Learn and Improve: To find lessons learned and make changes to fortify security measures, conduct a post-event review.

Conclusion

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During the sessions, students will get the chance to try their knowledge & skills on live machines via the virtual lab introduced on the premises of Craw Security. With that, they will also get to view how session hijacking works under the guidance of professionals.

After the completion of the Ethical Hacking Course in Singapore offered by Craw Security, students will get a certificate validating their honed knowledge & skills during the sessions. What are you waiting for? Contact, Now!

Frequently Asked Questions

About What is Session Hijacking in Ethical Hacking?

1. Why is it called hijack?

Because the attacker takes over an already-existing session, much like a hijacker does with a car, the term “hijacking” is used.

2. What is an example of a hijack?

Taking over a car or a computer session without permission is known as hijacking. A cybercriminal might, for instance, take over a user’s online session to steal their personal data or conduct fraudulent transactions.

3. What is called hijacking?

A phone scam known as “call hijacking” occurs when a criminal intercepts a call and reroutes it to a different phone number, usually with the intention of stealing money or personal information.

4. Is hijacking a crime?

Yes, most jurisdictions have laws that punish hijacking as a serious crime.

5. What is session hijacking and how can it be prevented?

A cyberattack known as “session hijacking” occurs when a hacker obtains unauthorized access to a system or application by stealing a legitimate user session. Following are some of the ways to prevent session hijacking:

1. Strong Password Policies,
2. HTTPS,
3. Session Timeouts,
4. Two-factor authentication (2FA), and
5. Regular Security Audits.

6. What is the difference between session hijacking and spoofing?

While spoofing entails assuming the identity of another entity, like a user or server, session hijacking entails taking over an already-existing session.

7. What is the score of session hijacking?

For a cyberattack such as session hijacking, the idea of a “score” is not simple. It focuses more on the attack’s possible impact and intensity, which can change based on the target system and the private information at stake.

8. Why is session hijacking done?

Session hijacking is being done due to the following reasons:

1. Data Theft,
2. Identity Theft,
3. Financial Gain,
4. System Compromise and
5. Espionage.

9. What is hijacking in networking?

In networking, “hijacking” is the term used to describe the illegal takeover of a network connection or resource, frequently with the intention of interfering with services, stealing information, or gaining unauthorized access.

10. How can we protect against hijacking?

You can protect yourself against hijacking in the following ways:

1. Strong Security Measures,
2. Regular Security Audits,
3. User Awareness Training,
4. Secure Coding Practices and
5. Staying Updated.