What are Account Takeover Attacks?

Get to know the basics of ATO attacks, the different types of account takeover attacks, and more, in this guide. We also go over the best account takeover attack mitigation strategies for businesses.

Account takeover attacks occur when an unauthorized user gains access to an account. This guide explores the tactics used in these attacks and effective prevention strategies.

Learn about the importance of strong passwords, multi-factor authentication, and user education. Understanding account takeover attacks is crucial for protecting sensitive information and maintaining user trust.

What is an Account Takeover (ATO) Attack?

Account Takeover (ATO) attacks let cybercriminals gain unauthorized access and control over your accounts by using stolen credentials. They exploit weaknesses in security, enable data theft and fraud, and often happen via phishing, data breaches, or malware.

The goal of an account takeover attack is to launch further threats. They can evolve into SIM swapping, ransomware, BEC scams, and so much more. In this guide, we'll discuss the Account Takeover Attack definition. We will break down examples of account takeover attacks, explore the different types of account takeover attacks, and more below.

Understanding the Mechanics of Account Takeover Attacks

To effectively combat ATO attacks, it’s crucial to understanding cybercriminals’ methods. Here are some common techniques used in account takeovers:

• Credential Stuffing – Attackers use automated bots to test stolen username and password combinations across multiple sites, capitalizing on the tendency of users to reuse login credentials.
• Brute Force Attacks – Cybercriminals employ bots to systematically try various password combinations until they gain access to an account.
• Phishing – Scammers trick users into revealing their login information through deceptive emails, text messages, or phone calls.
• Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) Attacks – Hackers intercept and manipulate internet traffic, potentially gaining access to unencrypted login credentials.

Types of account Takeover Attacks

Credential stuffing, password spraying, and brute force attempts are the most common type of account take over attacks. These are all credential-based account takeover attacks which means they test username-password combos collected from data breaches across multiple services. 

Session-based ATO attacks will steal session identifiers and manipulate them to gain unauthorized access. These don't require your credentials but will focus on intercepting active sessions on networks via network sniffing or cross-site scripting. Session replay attacks are also notorious for capturing reused authentication tokens and can impersonate legitimate users.

Infrastructure attacks will go for your underlying systems and protocols that are used for authentication purposes. Man-in-the-middle attacks fall under this category and so does DNS hijacking. BGP hijacking can reroute your internet traffic and steal your authentication data.

How Account Takeover Attacks Works 

There's no clear route to how account takeover (ATO) attacks work. They can happen from any angle because an attacker can steal your credential via a brute-force attempt, phishing, machine-in-the-middle attack or via malware.

They can install keyloggers that can expose your personal data or even approach you via social engineering campaigns.

Any credentials that are stolen from you can be used across different websites and services. If an attacker is going the brute force way, they will just use random username and password combinations or use a botnet to make thousands of login attempts per hour. Eventually they will crack your password and gain unauthorized entry into your account and service.

Phishing campaigns will just exploit human psychology and dupe you into revealing your sensitive credentials. They can intercept your communication and pretend to be someone else at the right timings.

Account Takeover Techniques

There are many kinds of account takeover techniques an adversary or threat actor can incorporate. They are as follows:

Credential Stuffing

Credential stuffing is a brute force attack and the hacker can use different kinds of combinations of uses and passwords. They will keep doing this until they get a pair right that gives them access to your account.

Phishing

Phishing is when a hacker will try to trick you into revealing your sensitive details. They can do spear phishing which focuses on single individuals instead of launching general phishing campaigns. Spear phishing mails are highly convincing, well-crafted and specifically target people. Vishing happens over voice and phone calls where they try to get you to talk and reveal sensitive information by accident.

Malware

Malware can include keyloggers and trojans. Trojans can run in the background to steal your personal data while keyloggers will keep track of everything you type into your keyboard.

Mobile Banking Trojans

Mobile banking trojans can use a fake screen that appears as an overlay on top. When you enter your account login information, the fake screen can capture your sensitive information. Mobile banking trojans can also change the data that you exchange during transactions which can dupe you and redirect funds to fake accounts.

Preventing Account Takeover | Best Practices for Organizations

Organizations can take several proactive measures to reduce the risk of ATO attacks and protect their customers’ information:

• Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) – Require users to verify their identity using an additional factor, such as a fingerprint, facial recognition, or a one-time code sent to their mobile device.
• Monitor User Behavior – Continuously track account activity and flag any unusual patterns, such as multiple failed login attempts, logins from new devices, or logins from suspicious locations.
• Employ AI-Based Detection – Utilize advanced artificial intelligence technology to identify and block sophisticated ATO attempts, including those using advanced bots that mimic human behavior.
• Deploy a Web Application Firewall (WAF) – Protect your website and applications by filtering and blocking malicious traffic using a WAF, which can detect and prevent credential stuffing, brute force attacks, and other ATO methods.

In addition to implementing the best practices outlined above, organizations should also explore advanced solutions to bolster their defenses against ATO attacks:

• Behavioral Analytics – Implement a system that analyzes user behavior in real time, identifying anomalies and potentially malicious activities that may signal an account takeover attempt.
• Risk-Based Authentication – Adjust authentication requirements based on the perceived risk of a login attempt. For example, prompt for additional verification when a user logs in from an unfamiliar device or location.
• Regular Security Audits and Penetration Testing – Conduct periodic assessments of your security infrastructure and processes to identify vulnerabilities and areas for improvement.
• Incident Response Plan – Develop and maintain a comprehensive incident response plan that outlines the steps to take when an account takeover or other security breach is detected.

Impact of Account Takeover Attacks (ATO)

It is estimated that over 29% of US adults are victims of an ATO attack. 83% of Fortune 1000 companies experience at least one account takeover attack every year.

Account takeover attacks can have serious impacts on organizations, individuals and businesses. They can lead to direct financial losses, reputational damages and most attackers can steal credentials to gain unauthorized access. Users can exploit compromised accounts for various nefarious reasons.

Fraudulent activities can harm your credit scores and impact the ability to borrow loans in the future. Account takeover attacks can also cause psychological distress because recovering from these attacks is stressful. Plus you get mentally affected when you know that your accounts have been violated and there is a sense of mistrust placed in digital platforms.

You also lose control over associated email addresses and can risk being locked out which makes recovery difficult.

Understanding Account Takeover in the Context of Cloud Security

As businesses increasingly migrate their operations to the cloud, they must contend with the unique security challenges in this environment. Account takeover is particularly concerning, as it represents a direct assault on the heart of cloud security: user accounts.

In an ATO attack, cybercriminals exploit compromised credentials to gain unauthorized access to online accounts. They typically obtain these credentials through data breaches, phishing campaigns, or purchasing them on the dark web. Once they have control of an account, attackers can exfiltrate sensitive data, carry out fraudulent transactions, or perpetrate other forms of cybercrime.

Account Takeover Attack Mitigation 

If you are trying to do account takeover attack mitigation, then your best bet is to manage the risk of account takeover attacks. You'll have to use the best account takeover prevention strategies that we mentioned above. 

But in addition to these, you can also adopt the following approaches. Behavioral analytics: These will give you the inside scoop on what's going on in your organization. 

• You can track anomalous activities like exfiltrating large volumes of sensitive data and also use it to find hidden signs of malware deployments. Ongoing account monitoring and auditing after authentication can also help you stay alert, detect and respond to various account takeover attacks.
• It's also crucial that you work on your zero trust security, implement the least principle privilege of access and make it hard for attackers to access target applications and resources.
• Every access request on a corporate level will have to be verified. Adversaries would get their device posture and contextual signals analyzed before complete access is granted to them. 

Any organization that uses granular and rigorous zero trust policies will be able to defend against suspicious signals that lead to account takeover attacks such as unusual login locations or any weird devices making requests etc.

SentinelOne Singularity XDR – A Comprehensive Solution for Account Takeover Protection

SentinelOne Singularity XDR offers a robust, all-encompassing solution that protects organizations from business logic attacks, including account takeover attempts. By extending coverage to all access points – from endpoints and users to cloud workloads and other devices – Singularity XDR delivers unparalleled visibility and security.

Key features of SentinelOne Singularity XDR that help defend against ATO attacks include:

• Endpoint Protection – Secure endpoints with advanced machine learning algorithms that detect and block malicious activities in real-time, including attempts to compromise user accounts.
• User Behavior Analytics – Analyze user behavior patterns to identify potential account takeover attempts and take immediate action to prevent unauthorized access.
• Cloud Workload Security – Protect your cloud infrastructure with automated CWPP enforcement, real-time monitoring, and threat detection, ensuring a secure environment for user accounts and sensitive data.
• Integration with Existing Security Infrastructure – SentinelOne Singularity XDR seamlessly integrates with your existing security stack, enhancing your organization’s overall defense against ATO and other cyber threats.

Conclusion

Account takeover attacks are a pervasive and evolving threat, but by understanding the tactics used by cybercriminals and implementing robust security measures, organizations and individuals can significantly reduce their risk of falling victim to these attacks. 

By understanding the techniques employed by cybercriminals, implementing best practices for security, and adopting advanced solutions like SentinelOne Singularity XDR, organizations can proactively defend against ATO attacks and ensure the ongoing security of their cloud environment.

Account Takeover Attack FAQs

What is an Account Takeover (ATO) Attack?

An account takeover (ATO) happens when attackers gain unauthorized access to a user’s online account. They use stolen or guessed credentials to log in and perform actions like stealing data, making purchases, or spreading fraud. It’s a common way cybercriminals abuse trusted accounts to bypass security and cause damage.

What are the most common methods used in ATO Attacks?

Phishing emails trick users into handing over credentials. Credential stuffing uses leaked username-password combos to break into accounts. Keyloggers record passwords typed on infected devices. Social engineering convinces users to reveal login info. Sometimes attackers exploit weak or reused passwords to gain easy access.

Which Types of Accounts are most commonly targeted in ATO Attacks?

Financial accounts like banking and payment services are prime targets. Email and social media accounts get hit to harvest info or spread malware. E-commerce and subscription services are also at risk, as attackers attempt unauthorized purchases or identity theft. Any account with valuable data or access is a possible target.

What are common signs of an Account Takeover in Progress?

Look for unusual login locations or devices, sudden password changes, or unexpected account lockouts. Alerts of failed login attempts or triggered security notifications can also hint at takeover. Odd activity like strange emails sent from the account or unauthorized transactions should raise alarms quickly.

How can Organizations Detect unusual login patterns?

Use security tools that analyze login geolocation, device fingerprints, and access times to spot anomalies. Set up alerts for impossible travel between logins or multiple failed attempts. Correlate behavior with past usage patterns to identify suspicious access before damage happens.

What are the Examples of Account Takeover?

A fraudster signs into someone’s banking app, changes contact details, and drains funds. An attacker hijacks an email account, resets passwords for cloud storage and social media, and then demands money. 

You can also see ATO when an employee’s corporate VPN account is stolen and used to access internal systems. Another example is an attacker taking over a brand’s social media handle to run crypto scams.

What is Credential Stuffing?

Credential stuffing is when attackers use huge lists of previously stolen username and password pairs and blast them against many websites using bots. They rely on password reuse, because people keep using the same login on multiple services. 

If one site is breached, they will test that same combo on banks, email, shopping, and streaming accounts. You can block this with MFA, rate limiting, and unique passwords.