Cookies and how to bake them: what they are for, associated risks, and what session hijacking has to do with it

Cookies and session hijacking are explored in depth, with 2 September 2025 cited as the publication date. The piece explains that cookies can store a range of data, including a Session ID, which is the main target of session hijacking attacks that aim to impersonate users. It outlines several attack methods, such as session sniffing on unencrypted HTTP, cross-site scripting (XSS), session fixation, cross-site request forgery (CSRF), MitM variants, predictable Session IDs, and cookie tossing across subdomains.

Practical protections are directed at developers and users alike: enforce HTTPS with redirects and HSTS, use HttpOnly and Secure cookie flags, set SameSite to Lax or Strict, deploy unique CSRF tokens, and regenerate Session IDs after login. The article also highlights alternatives to cookies, emphasises server-side storage where feasible, and urges users to enable two-factor authentication and remain vigilant for browser warnings or suspicious links, especially on public Wi‑Fi. Overall, it stresses meticulous session lifecycle management and secure coding practices as essential safeguards against cookie-based threats.