What is Formjacking? Understanding the Cyber Threat
A blog post by Cyber Search.
Introduction to Formjacking
Formjacking is a type of cybercrime that involves the use of malicious code to steal users' personal information directly from online forms on legitimate websites. Just as someone might physically 'hijack' something, cyber criminals 'jack' online forms to siphon off data as unsuspecting users fill out information on e-commerce sites, payment portals, or any website that requires users to enter personal data.
How Formjacking Works
The process starts with cybercriminals injecting malicious JavaScript code into a website's form page. This code is designed to capture the information a user inputs, often including sensitive data such as credit card details, login credentials, and personal identification numbers. As soon as the user submits the form, the stolen data is sent to a server controlled by the attacker, while the user remains completely unaware of the underlying theft.
The Impact of Formjacking
Aside from the direct impact on individuals, whose personal and financial information may be compromised, formjacking poses a significant threat to the integrity of online businesses. It undermines consumer trust and can lead to substantial financial losses. For victims, the consequences can include fraud, identity theft, and substantial privacy violations.
Protecting Yourself from Formjacking
Vigilance is crucial to safeguard against formjacking. Always ensure the URL is correct and that you're on a secure connection before inputting sensitive information. Regularly updating software and utilizing web security tools can also help protect against these types of attacks. Individuals should monitor their accounts for any unauthorized transactions and report them immediately if discovered.