Formjacking is a type of cyber attack where hackers inject malicious JavaScript code into a website's form page. This code captures sensitive information entered by users, such as credit card details, addresses, and phone numbers, when they submit the form. The stolen information is then sent to the attackers' servers, where it can be used for financial gain or sold on the dark web.

How does Formjacking Work?

Formjacking operates through a series of technical steps that begin with attackers gaining access to a website's code. This access can be achieved through various means, such as exploiting security vulnerabilities, using malware, or leveraging weak passwords. Once inside, the attackers inject malicious JavaScript code into the website's form pages, often disguising it within legitimate scripts to avoid detection.

When a user interacts with the compromised form, the malicious code activates. As the user enters their sensitive information, such as payment card details, the code captures this data in real-time. The captured information is then transmitted to the attacker's server, where it can be collected and used for illicit purposes. This seamless process makes it difficult for both users and website administrators to detect the breach, allowing attackers to siphon off data unnoticed.

What are Examples of Formjacking?

Several high-profile companies have fallen victim to formjacking attacks, highlighting the widespread nature of this threat. Notable examples include British Airways, Ticketmaster, and Newegg. These incidents involved the notorious hacker group Magecart, which injected malicious JavaScript code into the companies' payment pages, capturing sensitive customer information such as credit card details and addresses.

In another instance, hackers used malicious adware to introduce JavaScript skimming on e-commerce pages. This method involved embedding malware within scrolling or rotating ads, which intermittently siphoned off customer credit card and personal information. Such attacks demonstrate the diverse tactics employed by cybercriminals to execute formjacking, making it a persistent and evolving threat in the digital landscape.

What are the Potential Risks of Formjacking?

The potential risks of suffering a formjacking attack are significant and multifaceted. Here are some of the key risks:

• Financial Losses: Stolen credit card information can lead to unauthorized transactions, resulting in direct financial losses for both customers and businesses.

• Identity Theft: Captured personal information, such as addresses and phone numbers, can be used for identity theft, causing long-term damage to victims' credit and personal lives.

• Reputational Damage: A breach can severely damage a company's reputation, leading to a loss of customer trust and potential long-term business impacts.

• Legal and Regulatory Consequences: Companies may face legal repercussions and fines for failing to protect customer data, especially under regulations like GDPR and CCPA.

• Operational Disruptions: Incident response efforts, including forensic investigations and implementing additional security measures, can disrupt business operations and incur significant costs.

How can you Protect Against Formjacking?

Protecting against formjacking requires a multi-faceted approach to ensure the security of your website and user data. Here are some key strategies:

• Regular Code Audits: Conduct frequent audits of your website's code to identify and remove any unauthorized changes or malicious scripts.

• Webpage Integrity Monitoring: Implement tools like Webpage Integrity Monitoring (WIM) to detect and mitigate malicious code injections in real-time.

• Secure Ad Networks: Ensure that any third-party ad networks you use are secure and do not introduce malicious ads that could contain skimming code.

• Employee Training: Educate and train your staff on the latest cybersecurity threats and best practices for maintaining website security.

• Strong Authentication: Use strong, unique passwords and multi-factor authentication to protect access to your website's backend and administrative areas.