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| Cyber Hijacking |
Cyber Hijacking - Cyber hijacking is one of most dangerous digital threats in today’s world. Learn how it works, techniques attackers use, and effective strategies to protect yourself and your organization from hijacking attacks.
In today’s hyper connected world, cybercriminals are constantly finding new ways to exploit weaknesses. Among most alarming threats is cyber hijacking a tactic where attackers take control of digital assets, networks, or devices without authorization. Unlike simple malware infections, hijacking involves seizing control, often locking out legitimate users or redirecting resources for malicious purposes.
Whether it’s session hijacking, DNS hijacking, or even airplane and vehicle system hijacks, consequences can be devastating.
What is Cyber Hijacking?
Cyber hijacking refers to act of forcibly taking control of a system or session in cyberspace. Instead of just stealing data, attackers intercept or manipulate active communications and processes to gain command.
This can happen in many forms, including:
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Session Hijacking - intercepting active web sessions to impersonate a legitimate user.
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Browser Hijacking - injecting malicious plugins or scripts to redirect users to harmful sites.
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DNS Hijacking - altering DNS queries to send traffic to attacker controlled servers.
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Email Hijacking - taking over business email accounts to commit fraud or launch phishing campaigns.
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IoT Hijacking - compromising smart devices and using them for botnets or surveillance.
Cyber Hijacking Techniques
1. Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) Attacks
Attackers place themselves between a user and a server, intercepting and manipulating data without the victim realizing it.
2. Credential Theft
By stealing cookies, session tokens, or login details, attackers can hijack accounts without triggering alerts.
3. Malware Injection
Browser hijackers and trojans can alter system configurations, redirect web traffic, or disable security tools.
4. DNS Spoofing
A classic hijacking method where attackers redirect users to fake websites, often to harvest credentials.
5. Exploiting Weak Authentication
Poorly configured authentication mechanisms (e.g., no MFA) make it easier for attackers to hijack accounts or sessions.
Role of Dark OSINT in Detecting Hijacking Attempts
Open source intelligence (OSINT) can play a critical role in identifying potential hijacking risks. By monitoring leaked credentials, attacker chatter, or malicious infrastructure, defenders can gain early warning signals of hijacking attempts. This proactive approach allows security teams to stop attacks before they escalate.
👉 Stay ahead of hackers. Explore more insights into cybersecurity, OSINT, and red team strategies at Dark OSINT Blog.
