NordVPN Introduces Session Hijacking Alerts to Strengthen Online Security

• Real-Time Monitoring: Threat Protection Pro™ scans dark web databases to detect stolen session cookies immediately.
• Instant Alerts: Users are notified directly in-browser to log out and change compromised passwords.
• Privacy-Safe Detection: Cookie data is hashed and partially processed, ensuring sensitive information never leaves the device.

What Is the Session Hijacking Alert?

NordVPN’s Threat Protection Pro™ now includes a Session Hijacking Alert, a feature that monitors dark web databases for stolen session cookies.

These cookies, often containing email addresses, passwords, and authentication tokens, can allow cybercriminals to access accounts, bypass two-factor authentication, and steal sensitive data. Hackers may resell these credentials on the dark web or use them for financial fraud as well as identity theft.

The alert aims to notify users immediately if their session cookies are exposed, reducing risks associated with account compromise.

How the Feature Works

The Session Hijacking Alert monitors cookies from popular websites such as Reddit, Facebook, Instagram, GitHub, Amazon, Netflix, and YouTube.

NordVPN’s system works by:

• Checking if a browser uses an authentication cookie.
• Hashing the cookie name, domain, and part of its value to protect sensitive data.
• Sending only the modified data for scanning via NordStellar, NordVPN’s threat intelligence platform.
• Alerting the user directly in the browser tab if a match is found, along with instructions to log out and update passwords.

This approach ensures that complete cookie data never leaves the device, preserving user privacy while detecting potential leaks.

Key Features of the Session Hijacking Alert

Threat Protection Pro™ provides several benefits through this alert system:

• Real-time monitoring: Constant scanning of dark web databases as well as known breach repositories.
• Instant alerts: Immediate notifications prompt users to log out and update passwords.
• Guided response plan: Step-by-step instructions help mitigate risks and secure accounts quickly.
• Privacy protection: Partial, hashed cookie data ensures sensitive information remains confidential.

To enable the feature, users must activate Enhanced Browsing Protection in the NordVPN app, which automatically turns on the Session Hijacking Alert.

Dangers of Hijacked Sessions

If a session cookie is stolen, cybercriminals can perform unauthorized access and actions, including:

• Data theft: Accessing accounts to steal personal information, credit card numbers, or social media data.
• Identity theft: Using stolen credentials to impersonate users, commit fraud, or manipulate accounts.
• Financial losses: Unauthorized transactions, purchases, or banking fraud.
• Reputation damage: Corporate or personal reputational harm due to exposure of compromised accounts.
• Legal consequences: Non-compliance with data protection laws like GDPR or CCPA can result in fines.

Preventing Session Hijacking

NordVPN recommends combining its Threat Protection Pro™ with other best practices:

• Use HTTPS websites: Ensure connections are encrypted (look for the padlock icon).
• Use a VPN: Protect online activity and reduce risk from man-in-the-middle attacks.
• Log out after use: Invalidates session cookies, preventing stolen cookies from being reused.
• Enable two-factor authentication: Adds a security layer in case of compromised credentials.

What to Do If You Receive a Session Hijacking Alert

If notified, users should:

1. Change the password of the affected website immediately.
2. Log out from all devices to invalidate compromised cookies.
3. Monitor sensitive accounts like banking and e-commerce for suspicious activity.
4. Report unauthorized actions to the relevant authorities or service providers.

NordVPN’s system usually displays alerts within seconds of detecting a stolen session, covering the most popular websites, including Reddit, Facebook, Instagram, GitHub, Amazon, Netflix, YouTube, and Twitch.

Bottom Line:

NordVPN’s Session Hijacking Alert enhances online security by detecting stolen session cookies in real time while maintaining user privacy. The feature offers guidance to respond quickly to potential breaches, helping users safeguard their sensitive data as well as reduce financial or reputational risks.