Your Account Can Be Hacked Without Your Password! How to Protect Yourself from Session Hijacking
Even with two-factor authentication enabled, your Instagram account could still be compromised. Discover how session hijacking works, how to protect your online accounts, and how to configure Google Chrome to automatically delete site data when you close the browser.
Your Instagram account gets hacked. But you have two-factor authentication enabled, a strong password, and you've never clicked on a suspicious link.
How is that possible?
One possible explanation is a cyberattack called Session Hijacking.
🔍 What Is Session Hijacking?
When you log in to Instagram or another website, your browser stores information that helps the website remember that you've already signed in.
That's why you don't need to enter your password every time you open a new page.
This information is associated with something called a Session.
The problem?
Certain types of malware can steal session information from your device.
If an attacker successfully reuses that stolen session, they may gain access to your account without entering your password or completing two-factor authentication again.
The risk isn't limited to Instagram.
Malicious software may also steal session data from other accounts, saved passwords, and sensitive information stored on your device.
This could put your personal and financial accounts at risk.
🛡️ How Can You Protect Your Accounts?
The most important step is to avoid downloading cracked software or applications from untrusted sources.
This is especially important on computers you use to access personal accounts.
Google Chrome also offers an additional privacy setting that can help reduce how long certain website data remains stored on your device.
💻 How to Automatically Delete Site Data When Closing Google Chrome
If you use Google Chrome on your computer, follow these steps:
Delete data sites have saved to your device when you close all windows
Instead of navigating through all the settings, copy and paste this address directly into Chrome's address bar:
This opens the relevant settings page directly.
🤔 What Happens After Enabling This Setting?
When you close all Google Chrome windows, Chrome deletes on-device site data covered by this setting.
As a result, some websites may ask you to log in again the next time you visit.
It might be slightly inconvenient, but it reduces how long some session-related information remains stored on your computer after closing the browser.
This setting does not guarantee protection against session hijacking.
If your device is infected with malware, an attacker may steal session information while your browser is still open.
Also, deleting local browser data does not necessarily invalidate an active session on the website's servers.
Always sign out of sensitive accounts when you're finished using them.
🏦 What About Online Banking?
If you access your bank accounts through a computer, follow these essential security practices:
- Never leave your banking account logged in unnecessarily.
- Always log out after completing your banking transactions.
- Enable notifications for banking transactions.
- Avoid accessing banking services from shared or untrusted devices.
- Never save your banking credentials on someone else's computer.
- Use your bank's official mobile application when available.
Banks typically use additional security protections, such as transaction verification and fraud monitoring.
However, a device infected with malware can still expose sensitive financial information.
🚨 What Should You Do If Your Device Is Infected?
Disconnect it from the internet and avoid logging in to your accounts until the device has been secured.
Change your important passwords, starting with your email account.
Your email is often the key to recovering access to other accounts.
Sign out of unfamiliar devices and suspicious sessions.
If you suspect session theft, use the option to sign out of all devices whenever available.
Use reputable security software to check for malicious applications.
Simply deleting the suspicious program may not be enough to remove the infection.
Review recent transactions.
If you notice unauthorized activity or suspect your banking credentials have been compromised, contact your bank immediately using a trusted device or phone.
Two-factor authentication is an essential security measure that protects against many account attacks.
However, it does not prevent every type of session hijacking.
🔐 Additional Tips to Keep Your Accounts Safe
- Keep your browser and operating system updated.
- Avoid installing browser extensions from untrusted sources.
- Use unique passwords for important accounts.
- Enable passkeys whenever available.
- Regularly review devices connected to your accounts.
- Never ignore suspicious login notifications.
📚 Sources
For additional information about automatically deleting website data, visit the Google Chrome Community Guide .
