Session hijacking is a cybersecurity threat where attackers gain unauthorized access to user accounts by taking over valid session IDs, which are critical for maintaining user interactions in web applications. Since HTTP is stateless, sessions help track user activities without requiring constant re-authentication, but they become vulnerable to attacks if not properly secured. Common session hijacking methods include session sniffing, cross-site scripting, and session fixation, often exploiting vulnerabilities in network encryption or application logic. Preventative measures against session hijacking include implementing short session timeouts, regenerating session IDs after critical actions, avoiding session ID storage in URLs, and using HTTPS to encrypt traffic. Additional security can be achieved through multi-factor authentication and educating users about secure practices. Solutions like Descope provide tools for secure session management to mitigate these risks, emphasizing the importance of robust security measures in today’s digital landscape.