Airbnb is becoming a new hot spot for cybercriminals who want to steal your money and personal information. According to a recent investigation by SlashNext, a cybersecurity company, hackers are using various methods to break into Airbnb accounts and sell them on the Dark Web.
One of the ways hackers get access to Airbnb accounts is by phishing for user credentials. Another way hackers gain access to Airbnb accounts is by using stealer, a malware that secretly installs on your computer or device and steals victims' passwords, cookies, and other browser data. If hackers get hold of your cookies, they can use them to access your online accounts without needing the users' password.
Once hackers gain access, they can sell them on the Dark Web for as low as one dollar. Using stolen Airbnb accounts can go unnoticed, allowing hackers to book properties or perform other unauthorized actions without raising any alerts. For example, they can use your account to book a property for themselves or someone else and then cancel the reservation after getting a refund or using the property. Hackers can also post fake reviews, change the owner's profile information, or send spam messages to other users using the hacked accounts.
If you are an Airbnb user:
- Use a strong and unique password for your Airbnb account and change it regularly
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for your Airbnb account
- Be careful about clicking on links or downloading attachments in emails or messages that claim to be from Airbnb or other related sources. Always check the sender's address and the URL link before clicking on it. If you are still uncertain if an email or message is legitimate, contact Airbnb directly through their official website or app
- Maintain your antivirus current and patch regularly
- Monitor your Airbnb account activity and report any suspicious or unauthorized transactions. You can check your account activity by logging in to your Airbnb account and visiting your profile page. You can also set up notifications to alert you whenever there is a new booking, cancellation, review, or message on your account. Contact Airbnb immediately and change your password if you notice anything unusual
#ALTACyber
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Genady Vishnevetsky
Chief Info Security Officer
Stewart Title Guaranty Company
Houston TX
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