Conversation hijacking
Definition
Conversation hijacking, also known as session hijacking, is a cyber attack where an unauthorized person intercepts and takes over a legitimate communication session between two parties. This can occur in various forms of communication, including emails, instant messaging, voice or video calls, and even social media platforms. Conversation hijacking allows the attacker to eavesdrop on the conversation, manipulate the exchange, and potentially use the intercepted information for malicious purposes.
How Conversation Hijacking Works
Conversation hijacking involves several steps that allow the attacker to gain control of the communication session and exploit it for their own gain:
Interception: The attacker gains access to the communication channel between the two legitimate parties. This can be achieved through various means, such as eavesdropping on unsecured networks or using malware to capture data. By intercepting the communication, the attacker can monitor the conversation and gather sensitive information.
Taking Control: Once the communication session is compromised, the attacker surreptitiously takes over the exchange, often without either party realizing the intrusion. They may observe the conversation or even input misleading information to manipulate the communication. In some cases, the attacker may also impersonate one of the legitimate parties to carry out further attacks or gather more information.
Exploitation: With control of the conversation, the attacker can exploit the intercepted information for various purposes. This can include stealing sensitive data, such as login credentials or financial information, spreading misinformation or propaganda, or even conducting further attacks targeting the individuals involved in the communication.
Prevention Tips
To protect yourself from conversation hijacking attacks, it is important to take the following precautions:
Encryption: Use communication and messaging platforms that offer end-to-end encryption. This ensures that the content of your conversations is encrypted and can only be decrypted by the intended recipients, making it difficult for attackers to intercept and understand the communication.
Strong Authentication: Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) for your communication and messaging platforms. By requiring additional verification steps, such as a unique code sent to your mobile device, you can add an extra layer of security and reduce the risk of unauthorized access to your communication sessions.
Secure Networks: Be cautious when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks, as they can be vulnerable to eavesdropping and other forms of attacks. Whenever possible, use secure and trusted networks for sensitive communications. Additionally, consider using a virtual private network (VPN) to create a secure and encrypted connection between your device and the internet, further protecting your communication from interception.
Awareness and Training: Stay informed about the risks of conversation hijacking and educate yourself and your employees or team members about safe communication practices. Provide training on identifying and responding to potential threats, such as suspicious messages or unexpected changes in the tone or content of a conversation.
By following these prevention tips, you can minimize the risk of falling victim to conversation hijacking attacks and protect the privacy and security of your communications.
Related Terms
Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) Attack: A form of conversation hijacking where the attacker secretly relays and possibly alters the communication between two parties. This attack can allow the attacker to intercept and manipulate the data being exchanged, creating the illusion of a secure connection.
Eavesdropping: The unauthorized real-time interception of private communication between two parties, often without their knowledge. Eavesdropping can occur through various means, such as tapping into unsecured networks or using specialized software to capture and analyze data packets, allowing the attacker to gather sensitive information.