Hackers Discover a Method to Bypass Two-Factor Authentication

Cybercriminals have devised a phishing toolkit capable of circumventing two-factor authentication (2FA), a security measure long regarded as one of the most effective ways to safeguard online accounts.

Two-factor authentication requires users to provide an additional verification step—often a code sent via SMS or email—along with their password to access an account. This method has been widely recommended to enhance security for sensitive accounts. However, a new phishing tool known as Astaroth, named after a demon from mythology, is now being used to defeat this protection.

Cybersecurity firm SlashNext was the first to uncover this dangerous tool, which enables hackers to bypass 2FA on platforms such as Google, Microsoft, and Yahoo. Attackers deceive users by sending them a fraudulent link that leads to a fake login page designed to perfectly mimic the real service. When victims enter their credentials and authentication code, the data is instantly stolen and exploited by cybercriminals.

What makes Astaroth particularly concerning is its ability to capture two-factor authentication codes in real time. According to SlashNext, this phishing kit is being sold on the Dark Web for approximately $2,000 (RM8,855).

To stay protected against such threats, it is essential to remain cautious and avoid clicking on suspicious links from unknown sources. Additionally, users are encouraged to adopt more advanced authentication methods like passkeys, which allow secure logins using biometric verification (fingerprint or facial recognition) or device-stored codes, as offered by Apple, Google, and Microsoft.

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