Close
  • Latest News
  • Big Data and Analytics
  • Cloud
  • Networking
  • Cybersecurity
  • Applications
  • IT Management
  • Storage
  • Sponsored
  • Mobile
  • Small Business
  • Development
  • Database
  • Servers
  • Android
  • Apple
  • Innovation
  • Blogs
  • PC Hardware
  • Reviews
  • Search Engines
  • Virtualization
Read Down
Sign in
Close
Welcome!Log into your account
Forgot your password?
Read Down
Password recovery
Recover your password
Close
Search
Logo
Logo
  • Latest News
  • Big Data and Analytics
  • Cloud
  • Networking
  • Cybersecurity
  • Applications
  • IT Management
  • Storage
  • Sponsored
  • Mobile
  • Small Business
  • Development
  • Database
  • Servers
  • Android
  • Apple
  • Innovation
  • Blogs
  • PC Hardware
  • Reviews
  • Search Engines
  • Virtualization
More
    Home Latest News
    • Blogs
    • Security Watch

    Phishing Attack Compromises Secure Web Site Sessions

    By
    Matthew Hines
    -
    January 16, 2009
    Share
    Facebook
    Twitter
    Linkedin

      Online data security specialists Trusteer have detailed the emergence of a new brand of phishing threat that can be used to hijack secure online user sessions to steal credentials and commit subsequent cyber-fraud.

      According to the research report, the advanced phishing technique can be used to inject fraudulent information requests into all major browsers and many authenticated online applications, including e-banking and brokerage systems.

      Essentially, the malware technique involved in the schemes, dubbed Session Phishing, attempts to trick users into handing over their information after they’ve already logged into various sites or applications using pop-up windows.

      Trusteer is calling the phishing method a form of “in-session” attack which packs a potent punch as users have already authenticated into known applications when it is launched, thereby playing off an established level of trust. The malware specifically rears its head when financially-oriented sites are being accessed, the researchers said.

      “Our research has found that all the leading browsers, based on their design, are vulnerable to this technique. We have already notified the vendors and our customers, and now are alerting the public to practice safe web browsing techniques especially when accessing financial applications,” said Amit Klein, CTO of Trusteer, in a research note.

      The specifics as explained by Trusteer:

      A typical In Session Phishing attack would occur as follows. A user logs onto their online banking application to perform some tasks. Leaving this browser window open, the user then navigates to other Web sites.

      A short time later a popup appears, allegedly from the banking Web site, requesting the user retype their username and password because the session has expired, or complete a customer satisfaction survey, or participate in a promotion, etc. Since the user had recently logged onto the banking Web site, he/she will likely not suspect this popup is fraudulent and thus provide the requested details.

      In order for In-Session Phishing attacks to succeed the following conditions are required:

      -A base Web site must be compromised from which the attack can be launched

      -The malware (injected on the compromised Web site) must be able to identify which Web site the victim user is currently logged on to

      The company pointed out that the first task is easier for attackers to achieve, with the sheer number of sites located online. And while the second piece is a bit harder to carry off, at least on a widespread basis, the experts said that a “variety of techniques” are already available and documented for pulling it off.

      So, if you weren’t already leery of unexpected pop-ups, avoid them, even when they seem legitimate.

      Matt Hines has been following the IT industry for over a decade as a reporter and blogger, and has been specifically focused on the security space since 2003, including a previous stint writing for eWeek and contributing to the Security Watch blog. Hines is currently employed as marketing communications manager at Core Security Technologies, a Boston-based maker of security testing software. The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent the views of Core Security, and neither the company, nor its products and services will be actively discussed in the blog. Please send news, research or tips to SecurityWatchBlog@gmail.com.

      Matthew Hines

      MOST POPULAR ARTICLES

      Big Data and Analytics

      Alteryx’s Suresh Vittal on the Democratization of...

      James Maguire - May 31, 2022 0
      I spoke with Suresh Vittal, Chief Product Officer at Alteryx, about the industry mega-shift toward making data analytics tools accessible to a company’s complete...
      Read more
      Cybersecurity

      Visa’s Michael Jabbara on Cybersecurity and Digital...

      James Maguire - May 17, 2022 0
      I spoke with Michael Jabbara, VP and Global Head of Fraud Services at Visa, about the cybersecurity technology used to ensure the safe transfer...
      Read more
      Applications

      Cisco’s Thimaya Subaiya on Customer Experience in...

      James Maguire - May 10, 2022 0
      I spoke with Thimaya Subaiya, SVP and GM of Global Customer Experience at Cisco, about the factors that create good customer experience – and...
      Read more
      Big Data and Analytics

      GoodData CEO Roman Stanek on Business Intelligence...

      James Maguire - May 4, 2022 0
      I spoke with Roman Stanek, CEO of GoodData, about business intelligence, data as a service, and the frustration that many executives have with data...
      Read more
      Cloud

      Yotascale CEO Asim Razzaq on Controlling Multicloud...

      James Maguire - May 5, 2022 0
      Asim Razzaq, CEO of Yotascale, provides guidance on understanding—and containing—the complex cost structure of multicloud computing. Among the topics we covered:  As you survey the...
      Read more
      Logo

      eWeek has the latest technology news and analysis, buying guides, and product reviews for IT professionals and technology buyers. The site’s focus is on innovative solutions and covering in-depth technical content. eWeek stays on the cutting edge of technology news and IT trends through interviews and expert analysis. Gain insight from top innovators and thought leaders in the fields of IT, business, enterprise software, startups, and more.

      Facebook
      Linkedin
      RSS
      Twitter
      Youtube

      Advertisers

      Advertise with TechnologyAdvice on eWeek and our other IT-focused platforms.

      Advertise with Us

      Menu

      • About eWeek
      • Subscribe to our Newsletter
      • Latest News

      Our Brands

      • Privacy Policy
      • Terms
      • About
      • Contact
      • Advertise
      • Sitemap
      • California – Do Not Sell My Information

      Property of TechnologyAdvice.
      © 2022 TechnologyAdvice. All Rights Reserved

      Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the products that appear on this site are from companies from which TechnologyAdvice receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site including, for example, the order in which they appear. TechnologyAdvice does not include all companies or all types of products available in the marketplace.

      ×