Research by ZenShield has delved into the security implications of the seemingly harmless Remember Me checkbox that we frequently encounter online, with alarming results.
Anyone who’s logged into an online account will be familiar with the all-too-common Remember Me checkbox, promising a convenient, one-time login.
However, there are various security implications of using this feature. ZenShield’s research delved further into this and the 2,200 cyber-attacks that happen daily.
The Remember Me checkbox: Convenient yet risky
Often sitting right beside the password prompt, the Remember Me checkbox lures us with the convenience of one-click access to online accounts.
The Remember Me checkbox saves usernames and sometimes even passwords, doing away with the need to remember complex credentials.
However, beneath this veneer of convenience lies hidden security risks.
According to Steffan Black of ZenShield: “The ability to access personal, financial, or sensitive information faster isn’t necessarily better.
“Security must be a top priority regarding online accounts – remember, cyber attackers love convenience, too.”
About 2,200 cyber-attacks happen daily, with a cyber-attack taking place every 39 seconds on average, according to Astra.
Understanding these risks
Reliance on the Remember Me checkbox exposes users to multiple risks, such as unauthorised access.
If devices land in the wrong hands, the would-be attacker only needs to open the bookmarked page and immediately access the online account. Consider this the digital equivalent of leaving your keys under the doormat.
According to the IBM Cyber Security Intelligence Index Report, 95% of cybersecurity breaches are caused by human error.
Cookie theft is another effect of relying on the Remember Me checkbox.
When users check Remember Me, a cookie (a small piece of data) is stored on the device, containing login credentials. Hackers can potentially steal these cookies, granting them access to online accounts.
“There is no denying the usefulness of the Remember Me feature, but it is unforgiving on a shared or public computer,” explained Steffan Black.
Cybersecurity extends beyond personal devices. If left unattended, any computer or device with this feature becomes an easy entry point for cyber attackers.
Lower-risk alternatives to Remember Me
Fortunately, there are safer ways than the Remember Me checkbox that avoid the tedium of typing credentials each time.
Following ZenShield’s research, here are some of their recommendations:
- Use a password manager: They encrypt your passwords and require one master password to access all others;
- Set up biometric authentication: If your device supports it, use fingerprint or facial recognition features, which are harder to fake; and
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): This adds an extra layer of security, requiring a secondary form of verification.
Putting safety first
According to Steffan Black, simplicity breeds risk when it comes to data security.
The Remember Me checkbox may seem like a time-saver, but it’s important to remember that the expenses incurred from a data breach are far from convenient.
Taking some time to type out passwords or choosing safer alternatives like password managers or 2FA, ensures a robust line of defence against lurking cyber threats.
