Protect Your Business from Token Theft – The Threat MFA Can’t Stop

Token theft is an increasingly concerning threat in the cybersecurity landscape, one that can bypass even robust security measures like multi-factor authentication (MFA). While MFA has been a cornerstone of many security strategies, token theft shows that it’s not always enough. Here’s what you need to know about token theft and how your business can guard against it.

Understanding Token Theft

Authentication tokens act as digital keys, allowing users to access apps and services without needing to log in repeatedly. They help streamline daily operations, but when these tokens are compromised, they can become a gateway for cybercriminals. Attackers can steal these tokens through malicious/compromised websites, malware, or session hijacking, effectively allowing them to impersonate users and access sensitive systems—bypassing MFA and other security measures altogether.

This scenario is more common than you might think. Even advanced MFA solutions like time-based one-time passwords (TOTP) or push notifications can be rendered ineffective if an attacker gains access to an active token. The key takeaway? While MFA remains a critical security measure, relying on it alone isn’t enough to protect against this evolving threat.

Building Stronger Defenses Against Token Theft

Here are some strategies to help keep your business secure against token theft:

Implement Conditional Access Policies

Adding additional conditional access policies can help provide additional layers of security to help prevent the attackers gaining access to your token. Certain conditional access policies target token theft directly, although this may not completely stop the use of these tokens altogether. But applying additional policies adds to the “security onion” within your organization, helping to prevent token theft.

Strengthen Phishing Awareness Among Employees

Phishing remains one of the primary methods attackers use to send malicious links or malware that are used to steal tokens. Regular training can equip employees to recognize phishing attempts before they become costly mistakes. Simulated phishing exercises can be particularly effective, keeping your team vigilant and better prepared to spot suspicious activity.

Secure Device Access

Limiting access to only registered and compliant company devices adds another line of defense. By enforcing the use of company owned devices, you ensure that it is much harder for an attacker to gain access to your token. This approach helps prevent theft by utilizing other security measures within your organization to secure its devices such as EDR, spam filtering, and web-filtering.

Token Expiration and Monitoring

Regular Token expiration policies can minimize the risk of long-term token misuse. Additionally, monitoring login patterns for unusual activity—such as access attempts from unexpected locations—can help identify and respond to token misuse quickly, before it escalates into a larger issue.

Strengthen Your Security with Open Approach

Token theft is a serious and growing concern in today’s cybersecurity landscape, but with the right strategies, you can significantly reduce the risk. At Open Approach, we understand the complexities of modern cyber threats and can help you build a security strategy that addresses these challenges head-on.

If you’re ready to learn more about how Open Approach can help safeguard your business against token theft and other evolving threats, reach out to us today.