How Can Cyber Criminals Steal Your Credit Card Numbers and Passwords Using a Proxy?

With the increasing reliance on online transactions and digital platforms, the risk of cyber threats has also grown significantly. Cyber criminals are constantly evolving their techniques, and one common method they use to steal sensitive information like credit card numbers and passwords is by leveraging proxies.

A proxy acts as an intermediary between a user's device and the internet. Cyber criminals can exploit this intermediary to intercept and capture data transmitted between the user and the website they are accessing. Here's how they can steal your credit card numbers and passwords using a proxy:

1. Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) Attacks: By setting up a proxy server that the victim unknowingly connects to, cyber criminals can intercept data packets containing sensitive information like credit card numbers and passwords.
2. Session Hijacking: Cyber criminals can use proxies to hijack active sessions between the user and a website, enabling them to access and potentially steal login credentials and payment information.
3. Phishing and Spoofing: Proxies can be used to create fake websites that mimic legitimate ones, tricking users into entering their confidential data. This data is then captured by the cyber criminals.
4. DNS Spoofing: By manipulating DNS settings through a proxy, cyber criminals can redirect users to malicious websites that prompt them to enter sensitive information, which is then stolen.

To protect yourself from such threats, it is crucial to implement strong security practices, such as using encrypted connections (HTTPS), being cautious of unsecured networks, regularly updating security software, and avoiding clicking on suspicious links or ads. Additionally, using reputable password managers and enabling multi-factor authentication can add an extra layer of security to your online accounts.