Syncjacking: How Hackers Use Your Browser Against You

Who should read this?

• Individual users – Anyone who uses a web browser and syncs data across devices, especially for online banking, shopping, or managing personal information.
• Organizations – Businesses with a web presence, especially those handling user data or sensitive information.
  

What is syncjacking?

Syncjacking is when hackers hijack the syncing feature of your browser. This feature lets you keep your passwords, bookmarks, and other settings updated within the browser. Hackers can sneak into that sync process and grab control over everything you have synced.
Imagine this: You have all your passwords saved in Chrome, and they sync automatically in the browser. If a hacker breaks into this sync, they can access all your information without you knowing. It’s like someone having the keys to everything in your browser without your permission.

How does it work?

• The setup – The hacker uses a sneaky browser extension or finds a bug in the sync feature to break into your device.
• The takeover – Once in, they get access to all the things synced in your browser, like your passwords and browsing history.
• The impact – They can then use this info to break into your accounts, steal money, or just spy on your activity without you noticing.
  

Why does this happen?

1. Exploits browser sync features – Attackers abuse browser syncing to steal passwords, bookmarks, and browsing history across devices.
2. Weak authentication and security gaps – Some browsers lack strong safeguards, making it easier for hackers to hijack sync sessions.
3. Invisible to users – Since syncing happens silently in the background, victims often don’t realize their data is being stolen until it’s too late.

What’s the risk?

• Hackers take over your accounts – By using your synced passwords, they can log into your online accounts without you knowing and access all the information synced across your devices.
• Personal information gets stolen – Anything you’ve synced, like your personal data, browsing history, and even payment details, could be accessed by hackers.

How to stay safe?

For individual users

1. Turn on Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) – This means even if someone gets your password, they won’t be able to log in without an extra code (like one sent to your phone or email). It’s like adding a second lock to your door.
2. Keep your browser updated – Always make sure your browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari, etc.) is up to date to fix any security problems.
3. Consider using a password manager – Don’t just store your passwords in your browser. A password manager is safer and helps you create stronger, unique passwords for each account.
4. Only sync when you need It – If you don’t need your browser to sync things like passwords or history, turn it off. This helps reduce the risk of attacks like Syncjacking.
5. Turn off autofill for sensitive stuff – If your browser fills in passwords or credit card details automatically, hackers can grab that data if your device is compromised.
6. Clear your cache and cookies periodically – Delete your browser’s saved data from time to time to make it harder for hackers to find your personal info.

For organizations

1. Keep an eye on Accounts – Watch for anything suspicious in your accounts, like logins from unfamiliar places or unusual activity, especially for sensitive data.
2. Test your security – Periodically check for any weak spots in your website or app’s security, especially around syncing features.
3. Limit access to important features – Only give access to sensitive tools or settings that really need it. This way, if someone does get in, they won’t be able to mess with everything and cause more damage.
4. Be careful with extensions – Only install extensions from trusted sources (like the Chrome Web Store) and periodically check what permissions they have.
5. Teach your team – Educate your employees or users about security risks of syncjacking and encourage using things like MFA to stay safe.

References

1. New Syncjacking attack hijacks devices using Chrome extensions
2. New Browser Syncjacking Attack Gives Hackers Full Device Control
3. Billions Of Google Chrome Users Warned As Syncjacking Hack Steals Data