How to Identify Account TakeoverATO Red Flags to Watch for
In a Nutshell
Identity theft can be difficult to detect… but the attack that follows isn’t. Account takeover fraudsters leave clues when they’re about to strike, and spotting them is your best chance to avert disaster before it’s too late. This article reveals how to detect an attack in progress, and outlines the critical red flags that signal a fraudster is about to break in.
Spotting Account Takeover Attacks Before It’s Too Late
Once an attacker gains access to your account… it’s usually already too late. The damage has already been (and will continue to be) done.
The best way to stop account takeover fraudsters from doing any harm at all is to prevent them from gaining unauthorized access to your account in the first place. So, let’s discuss several red flags that you can use to identify account takeover attacks before they happen.
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How to Detect Account Takeover Attacks: Red Flags to Look Out For
Account takeover attacks are complicated by the fact that fraudsters can steal your login credentials in a large number of ways. Since it’s nearly impossible to detect when your information is first compromised, it’s best to concentrate your efforts on identifying when an unauthorized login attempt is imminent.
Specifically, be on the lookout for these warning signs, which can vary depending on the attack points targeted by account takeover fraudsters:
Red Flags:
- Sudden changes in site traffic, such as multiple login attempts
- Higher-than-usual login failure rates
- Downtime caused by increased site traffic
What to do:
- Implement bot detection (e.g., CAPTCHA)
- Enforce strong password guidelines
- Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) and risk-based authentication
Red Flags:
- Unfamiliar charges
- Altered contact information
- Fraud alerts from your bank or credit monitoring app
What to do:
- Contact your bank's fraud department
- Reset your passwords
- Freeze your credit and report fraud to the Federal Trade Commission
Red Flags:
- Generic outreach emails in your outbox
- Unusual IP addresses or browsers in your account history
- Numerous password reset emails
What to do:
- Alert your IT team
- Change your password and add MFA
- Educate your team on phishing scams
Red Flags:
- Inability to file your tax return electronically
- Receiving calls or letters about unclaimed benefits
What to do:
- Contact the IRS and complete Form 14039
- Report fraud to the Social Security Administration
Red Flags:
- Friends questioning unusual messages from you
- Unrequested password reset requests
- Changes to your profile
What to do:
- Close all active sessions and reset your password
- Report fraud to the social media site
- Inform friends and family of the hack
