Hijacking in cybersecurity refers to a type of network security attack where a threat actor takes unauthorized control of computer systems, software programs, network communications, or user accounts. The attacker essentially “seizes” control, similar to how a physical hijacking involves taking over a vehicle or asset.
Types of Cyber Hijacking
Several forms of hijacking exist in the cybersecurity landscape, including:
• Session Hijacking: The attacker intercepts or steals valid session tokens (such as cookies or authentication IDs) to impersonate a legitimate user, gaining unauthorized access to sensitive information or systems.
• Browser Hijacking: Malicious actors take control of a user’s web browser, often to redirect traffic, alter browser settings, or force the user to interact with unwanted ads or download malware.
• Domain Hijacking: Attackers unlawfully seize control of a web domain, sometimes using fraudulent transfer requests or legal threats, often to launch phishing campaigns or disrupt services.
• DNS Hijacking: Manipulating the Domain Name System to redirect traffic from legitimate websites to malicious ones.
• Account Hijacking: Unauthorized takeover of user accounts through methods like phishing, credential stuffing, or malware, allowing attackers to impersonate the victim and access sensitive data or systems.
• IP Hijacking: Taking control of IP address blocks, often to reroute or intercept network traffic.
How Hijacking Works
The core mechanism of hijacking typically involves:
• Exploiting vulnerabilities in authentication or session management.
• Stealing or brute-forcing session identifiers, credentials, or tokens.
• Intercepting communications between users and systems (e.g., via man-in-the-middle attacks).
• Using malware or social engineering to gain access to sensitive information or control over systems.