What does the term "account takeover" refer to?

The term "account takeover" specifically refers to the unauthorized access to an existing user's account. This typically occurs when an attacker gains control over a user’s credentials, such as the username and password, often through methods like phishing, credential stuffing, or data breaches. Once the attacker successfully takes over an account, they can manipulate it for various malicious purposes, including stealing sensitive information, making unauthorized purchases, or engaging in further attacks.

This definition emphasizes the nature of account takeover as a targeted action that focuses on exploiting access to an individual's account rather than broadly stealing data or deploying software. It highlights the impact on an existing user's credentials and the continued use of that account by an unauthorized party. Understanding this concept is crucial for cybersecurity professionals who need to protect user accounts and implement security measures to prevent such incidents.