Cookie scams collectively comprise one of the largest cyber threats targeting the human element today.
What are cookie scams and how do they pose a threat to employees and your organization?
The Lingo
A “cookie” is a small file stored on a user's computer or device by a website when a user logs an active session. Cookies contain information pertaining to the user's preferences, login or authentication credentials, and browsing history. Websites use cookies to remember these user preferences, facilitate and expedite login processes, and curate customized content tailored for the user based on browsing history.
Sounds helpful, right? It is. But where there’s data, there’s cybercrime.
Cookie scams are executed when cybercriminals steal a user’s stored personal and sensitive information from those small file packets websites create.
The first step in stealing information and cookies starts with creating a fake website and using phishing tactics and other cyber threat vectors to lure users in.
Once a user visits this malicious website, cybercriminals can use cookies to track everything from a user’s browsing history or steal their login credentials and gain access to their sensitive information.
The Risk
Cookie scams pose a major security risk to organizations because they can lead to significant financial losses, reputational damage, and legal liabilities. By being able to monitor browsing history and sift through the data, cybercriminals can steal the information a user stores to open fraudulent accounts, make unauthorized purchases, and commit financial fraud. Data breaches, regulatory fines, and reputational damage to an organization’s brand are all stark realities of cookie scams.
If a cybercriminal gains access to an organization's systems or data, they can steal sensitive information, disrupt business operations, and cause significant financial losses. It’s a great reminder to require multi-factor authentication (MFA) and block cookies where possible.
The Solution
So how can you mitigate the risk cookie scams pose?
A multi-pronged approach implementing technical defense systems and creating a cyber-aware workforce focused on educating employees on best practices will yield the best results.
Suggested Security Steps
- Use antivirus and antimalware programs to protect your computer or device from malicious cyber threats. Antivirus software can detect and remove unwanted software cybercriminals use to steal information from your device.
- Update your systems and software. Cybercriminals look for gaps and holes to exploit your vulnerabilities and outdated programs and systems are an easy target. Keeping your software current can help deter, and even prevent, cyberattacks.
- Use a secure web browser with built-in security features designed to protect users from cookie scams and other types of cyber threats. Robust browsers include anti-phishing protection and cookie management tools.
- Use strong, unique passwords. Cybercriminals steal passwords to gain access to user accounts. Using secure password techniques makes it harder for cybercriminals to guess, or crack, your authentication combination.
- Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA). MFA adds an extra layer of security to your accounts by requiring additional forms of authentication. Confirming login via text message or facial recognition or providing a time-bound security code in addition to your password strengthens your overall security posture.
- Be wary of unsolicited emails, voicemails, direct messages, and texts. Cybercriminals deploy phishing tactics to trick users into visiting their fraudulent websites or providing login credentials. Skepticism is the best approach to staying safe.
- Educate employees on the dangers cookie scams, and other cyber threats, present to the organization. Human error is a significant factor in successful data breaches and cybersecurity incidents. Training and readying your workforce to combat and defend against sophisticated cybercriminals will help protect your organization.
The Bottom Line
Clearing your cookie cache and opting to not store sensitive information on your device via cookies is an effective way to protect against cybercriminals looking to pry private information and data from targets. By blocking cookies whenever possible, you can avoid receiving a fraudulent message or email impersonating a vendor you just researched or a partner’s website you just visited.
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