{"componentChunkName":"component---src-pages-markdown-remark-fields-slug-js","path":"/identity/json-web-token-stolen/","result":{"data":{"markdownRemark":{"id":"0a7dae49-42bd-5b4b-9db0-709488e6b454","excerpt":"JSON web tokens are widely used as access tokens in commercial applications for granting access to consumers for a short period of time. These tokens include a…","html":"

JSON web tokens are widely used as access tokens in commercial applications for granting access to consumers for a short period of time.

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These tokens include a token signature for integrity and are solely based on JSON format to authenticate users to provide access to certain services and resources within a network. \\

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Since these tokens provide secure access to an authenticated user, attackers are always looking for ways to steal these tokens and quickly gain access by impersonating a consumer.

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So what can be done at the enterprise level to ensure maximum security, and what are the steps that can help in a situation where a client’s JSON web token is stolen?

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Remember, once a JWT (JSON Web Token) is stolen, it can be the worst thing for an individual and the enterprise as there’s a huge chance of data breach and exploitation.

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In this post, we will discuss the security implications of utilizing JSON web tokens, how they work, and how to minimize the loss if a token is stolen.

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JWT- How Is It Used for Authentication?

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JWT is made from 3 components-the Header, the Payload, and the Signature.

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The _Payload _generally contains the user information and regarding the transaction for which access is required.

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The _Header _contains the technical metadata details of the JWT placed in a separate JavaScript object and is sent with the Payload.

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Now, the last part of JWT is the Signature. It’s a MAC (Message Authentication Code), which can only be produced by an individual that possesses both the Payload and Header along with a secret key.

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Once the user submits the credentials to the authentication server, the server validates the credentials and then creates a JWT with the user’s details along with the expiration timestamp.

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Now, the authentication server considers a security key and then utilizes it to sign the Header and the Payload and then sends it back to the user’s web browser.

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The browser then takes the signed JWT and begins sending the same with every HTTP request to the application server.

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In a nutshell, the signed JWT is now acting as a temporary login credential for a user, which replaces the permanent credential.

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Read more: Invalidating JSON Web Tokens

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What to Do if JWT Token is Stolen?

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There could be nothing worse than getting a JWT token stolen, as it’s like providing a license to bypass all the layers of security to an attacker for exploiting sensitive information.

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Here are some crucial steps that enterprises should consider when their client’s token gets stolen:

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1. Ask Clients to Change their Passwords Immediately

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One of the most important steps is to ask your clients to change their passwords immediately if there’s an instance where the JWT token is stolen.

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Changing the password of an account will prevent attackers from exploiting the account and would eventually help in avoiding a data breach.

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2. Revoke Tokens

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If you suspect any token being used by an unauthorized professional, it is best to revoke a token. This immediately pulls the attacker out of your network and helps in minimizing the risk.

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Once the token is revoked, ask the client to reset their password and ensure they choose a strong password and must utilize multi-factor authentication in place as offered by LoginRadius CIAM.

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3. Look for a Security Breach Within your Network

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Since an attacker can exploit a user account to gain access to your organization’s sensitive information, it is crucial to inspect your environment for any attempts to access resources or bypass security layers.

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If you find anything suspicious, put your best foot forward to analyze the loss and work immediately to rectify the situation and minimize further damage.

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4. Work on the Root Cause

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Your business must identify the root cause of a token getting stolen from a client’s end. It’s your responsibility to check whether the breach was due to inadequate utilization of security measures, poor device security, or due to human error.

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Once you’re aware of the actual cause, make sure you tighten your security and add multiple layers of security and authentication like MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication) and RBA (Risk-Based Authentication) as offered by LoginRadius.

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Conclusion

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With businesses facing new security vulnerabilities every day, stolen JWT tokens could be the worst thing for any enterprise delivering online services.

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It’s crucial for businesses to ensure maximum security at the consumer level and take necessary precautions to avoid a security breach.

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The aforementioned aspects could help mitigate the risk and ensure minimum loss if a security threat related to a client’s JWT token is detected.

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\"book-a-demo-loginradius\"

\n","headings":[{"value":"JWT- How Is It Used for Authentication?","depth":2},{"value":"What to Do if JWT Token is Stolen?","depth":2},{"value":"1. Ask Clients to Change their Passwords Immediately","depth":3},{"value":"2. Revoke Tokens","depth":3},{"value":"3. Look for a Security Breach Within your Network","depth":3},{"value":"4. Work on the Root Cause","depth":3},{"value":"Conclusion","depth":2}],"fields":{"slug":"/identity/json-web-token-stolen/"},"frontmatter":{"metatitle":"What Should You Do if Someone Steals Your JSON Web Token?","metadescription":"JSON web tokens, if stolen by attackers, could lead to a massive loss for a business and consumers. Read the security best practices to minimize the loss.","description":"JWT tokens provide secure access to an authenticated user, and attackers are always looking for ways to steal these tokens and quickly gain access by impersonating a consumer. Here we’ve clubbed efficient ways for enterprises to ensure maximum security and steps that can help in a situation where a client’s JSON web token is stolen.","title":"What to Do if Someone Steals Your JSON Web Token?","canonical":null,"date":"June 10, 2021","updated_date":null,"tags":["data security","authentication"],"coverImage":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5037593984962405,"src":"/static/74d3ad6eff38db8a802d31944e07276b/2ad7f/json-web-token-stolen-cover.webp","srcSet":"/static/74d3ad6eff38db8a802d31944e07276b/1c9b5/json-web-token-stolen-cover.webp 200w,\n/static/74d3ad6eff38db8a802d31944e07276b/f1752/json-web-token-stolen-cover.webp 400w,\n/static/74d3ad6eff38db8a802d31944e07276b/2ad7f/json-web-token-stolen-cover.webp 800w,\n/static/74d3ad6eff38db8a802d31944e07276b/c5377/json-web-token-stolen-cover.webp 1024w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}},"author":{"id":"Vishal Sharma","github":null,"bio":"Vishal Sharma - a writer by day and a reader by night, is working as a Sr. Content Writer at LoginRadius. With a demonstrated history of thriving business success through sustainable marketing tactics, he ensures high-quality & valuable content is distributed across diverse channels. When not writing, you can find him watching a movie or maybe, reading a book.","avatar":null}}}},"pageContext":{"id":"0a7dae49-42bd-5b4b-9db0-709488e6b454","fields__slug":"/identity/json-web-token-stolen/","__params":{"fields__slug":"identity"}}},"staticQueryHashes":["1171199041","1384082988","1711371485","1753898100","2100481360","229320306","23180105","528864852"]}