Replay attacks may threaten your consumers’ online security
Today, consumer online security is more important than ever. This year, the FTC has already received nearly six million reports of fraud, and 1.4 million of those cases were specifically identity theft.[1] In addition, a recent study reported that losses due to identity fraud amounted to almost $23 billion in 2023.[2] And consumers aren’t the only ones at risk.
According to CyberArk’s global research report, 93% of organizations had two or more identity-related breaches in the past year.[3] This means it’s not only up to consumers to protect themselves against identity theft. It’s also up to businesses to protect themselves and their customers from the threat of fraud.
As security technology advances, so do the tactics of hackers attempting to steal information such as usernames, account numbers, and passwords from innocent online users. One method that hackers use to obtain this information is called a replay attack, which can pose a serious threat to your consumers’ online security.
What is a replay attack?
A replay attack is a network-based security hack in which a hacker intercepts legitimate data transmission and then fraudulently repeats it to gain access to a network or system. These attacks are designed to fool the victim into believing the hacker is a genuine user, and they happen in three steps:
- Eavesdropping: The hacker listens in on secure network communications, such as information sent through a Virtual Private Network (VPN), to learn about the activity happening on that network.
- Interception: The hacker intercepts legitimate user information – usernames, user activity, computer specs, passwords, etc.
- Replay: The hacker illegally resends (or “replays”) the valid information they gathered to trick the receiver into thinking that they are a genuine user.
Here’s an example: John transfers funds from one online banking account to another. A hacker illegally captures that transaction message (which is often accompanied by a digital signature or token) and “replays” that same transaction message multiple times to trigger additional fund transfers, all without the genuine user’s knowledge or permission.
The bank doesn’t recognize a problem because the “replayed” transaction messages includes the legitimate digital signature/token, so the bank approves the additional transfers.
Replay attacks aren’t just used for banking transactions. They can be used for various activities, such as:
- Internet of Things (IoT) device attacks: IoT devices include a multitude of “smart home” devices such as smart plugs, cameras, locks, appliances, speakers, lights, and more. Vulnerabilities in these devices can allow hackers to replicate commands to these devices that seem legitimate, such as turning on cameras, unlocking doors, and disabling security systems.[4]
- Remote keyless entry systems for vehicles: Most vehicles use a remote key fob to lock and unlock the doors. This key fob usually uses radio waves to send the lock/unlock signal to the car. Hackers can use a device to receive and transmit radio waves near a person’s vehicle that mimic that same lock/unlock signal, and then “replay” that signal to unlock the person’s car themselves.[5]
- Text-dependent speaker verification: Some people use voice recognition to verify their identity when accessing an account or system. Hackers can record a person’s voice when the person speaks to verify their identity, and then “replay” that voice recording to fraudulently access the account.[6]
How to prevent replay attacks
Replay attacks are dangerous because they are often unnoticed or overlooked until the damage has already been done. Fortunately, there are ways to stop hackers from using replay attacks to access your customers’ personal information.
- Device intelligence: By leveraging unique intelligence about the device being used, replay attacks can be thwarted even when fraudsters are using authentic, but stolen, information.
- Time stamping: By forcing a timestamp on all sent and received messages, you can prevent hackers from sending repeated messages with legitimate information obtained illegally.
- Geolocation review: By identifying suspicious language and/or time zones, you can compare access routes to confirm customers are authentic and secure.
Why it matters for your business
Consumers in the U.S. value network security more than ever, with 70% rating security a top priority, even over personalization and convenience.[7] People want to feel safe online, and if they experience a threat of identity theft or fraud, they’ll need to find a reliable resource to keep their personal information secure.
Successful replay attacks allow fraudsters to impersonate real users and potentially gain partial or full access to their personal online accounts. If your consumers fall victim to these kinds of attacks, the resulting stress may have a negative impact on your relationship with them.
With our fraud management solutions, your business can strengthen your consumers’ trust and security by leveraging highly trained fraud analysts to help uncover suspicious activity that might not be noticed otherwise.
- Lower fraud losses and achieve fraud capture rates that exceed industry averages.
- Protect your customers by using a covert, frictionless solution the reduces false positives.
- Improve operational efficiency by prioritizing resources across the board.
Protect your consumers with powerful fraud management solutions
63% of consumers say it’s important for businesses to be able to recognize them online, and 81% say they are more trusting of businesses that can accomplish easy and accurate identification.[8] While replay attacks can cause consumers stress and anxiety, taking action to prevent them can fortify a strong, trusting relationship between your business and your consumers.
Protect your consumers and prevent replay attacks with our powerful fraud management solutions.
[1] IdentityTheft.org, 2024 Identity Theft Facts and Statistics.
[2] Javelin, 2024 Identity Fraud Study: Resolving the Shattered Identity Crisis.
[5] Automotive World, How to mitigate vulnerabilities in keyless entry systems, 2023.
[6] Antispoofing, Audio Replay Attacks and Countermeasures Against Them, 2022.
[7] 2018 Experian® Global Fraud Report
[8] Experian® 2024 Identity and Fraud Report Highlights Evolving Fraud Landscape
