Warning to people using Netflix and YouTube in South Africa
Research has revealed that cybercrime is on the rise in South Africa, with browser cookies being stolen to log in to platforms such as Netflix, YouTube, and Reddit.
Browser cookies, small pieces of data that are stored on smartphones and other devices, allow websites to remember users and their habits.
These cookies enable users to stay logged into websites or keep items in a shopping cart even after leaving the site.
According to MyBroadband, these cookies are being stolen by cybercriminals to bypass logins on platforms such as Netflix, YouTube, and Reddit.
A recent study by the international cybersecurity firm NordVPN found that more than 263 million browser cookies from South Africa are present in infostealer datasets across the Internet.
The company revealed that South Africa ranks 30th globally for the highest number of Internet browser cookies stolen from users.
The company noted that these cookies have become a primary currency for cybercriminals, who have found ways to exploit these cookies, enabling them to access protected private accounts.
They specifically target “remember-me cookies,” which help users log in to various websites and platforms without having to re-enter their credentials.
According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), if a cybercriminal obtains a cookie that contains information from a user’s recent login, they can often use it to sign in as that user.
This type of cyberattack is known as “session hijacking,” where criminals take control of an already logged-in session without needing a password.
Criminals typically infect users’ devices with infostealers through social engineering techniques.
Once they have stolen the cookies, they can hijack other users’ sessions on platforms like Netflix or YouTube, or even access their email accounts.
“For these reasons, cybercriminals are increasingly focused on stealing Remember-Me cookies and using them as their preferred way of accessing a victim’s email,” the FBI said.
“Victims unknowingly provide their cookies to cybercriminals when they visit suspicious websites or click on phishing links that download malicious software onto their computer.”
Cybercrime prevention tips from the police
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has issued a warning about the rapid growth of cybercrime and provided ten cybercrime prevention tips for South Africans
SAPS urges South Africans to use strong passwords by creating unique user ID and password combinations for each of their accounts, and to avoid the temptation to write them down.
To enhance security, SAPS urges citizens to make their passwords complex by combining letters, numbers, and special characters, and to ensure they are at least 10 characters long.
SAPS encouraged people using the internet to remember to change their passwords regularly. To secure their computer, citizens are urged to activate their firewall.
Firewalls serve as a first line of defence against cyber threats by blocking connections to unknown or malicious websites, thus protecting the system from viruses and hackers.
The police also suggested using antivirus and malware software, which should be installed and regularly updated to prevent viruses from infecting the computer.
To block spyware attacks, it is advisable to install and maintain anti-spyware software.
When using social media, one should be savvy about one’s privacy. Make sure that social media profiles, such as those on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and MSN, are set to private.
SAPS urges citizens to check their security settings regularly and be cautious about the information they share online, remembering that anything posted can be permanent.
One also needs to secure one’s mobile devices, recognising that they are vulnerable to viruses and hackers. Only download applications from trusted sources to minimise risks.
SAPS said it is important to install the latest operating system updates and keep applications and operating systems, including Windows, Mac, and Linux, up to date with the latest security updates.
According to SAPS, enabling automatic updates will help protect against weaknesses in older software.
To protect data, use encryption for the most sensitive files, such as tax returns or financial records. Regularly back up important data to a separate location.
SAPS advised that securing a wireless network is important. Wi-Fi networks at home can be vulnerable to intrusions if not properly secured, so users should review and modify default settings.
Be cautious when using public Wi-Fi or “hotspots,” and avoid conducting financial or corporate transactions over these networks.
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