Account takeover (ATO) logins are one of the most dangerous threats to your user’s identity and online security. ATOs allow fraudsters to gain access to a victim’s personal information and account settings, which makes it easy for them to make unauthorized purchases, change passwords, and even delete the affected accounts.

Account Takeover Prevention Systems

The first step in prevent ATO logins is to secure users’ credentials with strong passwords that are different for each site they use. This can be challenging, as breached data, phishing sites and botnet malware can make it easier for hackers to obtain stolen passwords.

Using efficient bot detection, based on sensory parameters like keystroke velocity and mobile device orientation sensors, is a powerful way to protect users from ATOs. It also helps identify fraudulent credential attempts, such as phishing scams.

Account Takeover Prevention: How to Stop Cybercriminals from Gaining Access to Your Accounts

2-factor authentication is another effective ATO prevention solution that adds an additional layer of verification. It can be as simple as an SMS code, or as advanced as a fingerprint for a mobile app. However, these methods are not always effective because they can be compromised by malware or a bot attack.

ATO attacks are most common when hackers leverage the passwords of victims from breaches and phishing sites. They can also purchase stolen credentials from dark web marketplaces.

ATO attacks can be detected and prevented by analyzing login events in real-time. These include a user’s device and IP address, login time, keystroke patterns, and other signals. By detecting high risk logins in real-time, companies can alert and notify users that they may have been hacked. This can help prevent ATO attacks by up to 75%, reducing the amount of damage done by malicious hackers.