{
  "id": 666244,
  "title": "Chrome's new security feature could make stolen session cookies virtually useless",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/12/chromes-new-security-feature-could-make-stolen-session-cookies",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-08-12T13:33:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "TechSpot",
    "slug": "techspot",
    "url": "https://www.techspot.com/news/113450-chrome-new-security-feature-could-make-stolen-session.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Google is introducing a novel security measure in Chrome designed to thwart unauthorized access to user accounts. Known as device-bound session credentials, this feature links a user's authenticated web session to the device on which they initially signed in. The primary intent is to thwart a common method of account takeover, where attackers obtain a browser session cookie and use it to gain unauthorized access to an account without the victim's password or two-factor authentication.\n\nThis security feature functions by demanding proof that the browser still possesses a private key securely stored on the original device. Chrome generates this key during the session setup process and retains it within a protected hardware component. On Windows systems, this hardware is a Trusted Platform Module (TPM), while Apple devices utilize the Secure Enclave. The private key remains concealed within this hardware, inaccessible to the operating system or browser.\n\nA website that supports this system stores the corresponding public key. When Chrome requires maintaining or refreshing a session, the site can mandate the browser to sign a challenge using the private key. Copying a cookie alone would be insufficient, as the attacker would lack the key necessary to generate a valid response.\n\nWhile this technology aims to address the prevalent issue of session theft, it is primarily intended to bolster the security of already authenticated browser sessions. Stronger login systems, such as passkeys and multifactor authentication, have significantly diminished the value of stolen passwords. However, these measures do not inherently safeguard active browser sessions. Once a user completes the sign-in process, a site typically deposits a session cookie in the browser, enabling seamless navigation without repeated logins. This convenience, however, presents vulnerabilities to malware and phishing operations. Infostealers can extract browser data, including cookies, from compromised devices. Adversary-in-the-middle attacks may intercept authenticated sessions, potentially allowing attackers to utilize the stolen cookie in a separate browser and impersonate the legitimate user until the session expires.\n\nTo mitigate these risks, device-bound session credentials introduce an additional layer of verification. The cookie remains integral to the session, but it is no longer the sole evidence of user authorization. Chrome must also demonstrate possession of the private key linked to that session. Google's implementation incorporates hardware-backed keys and short-lived cookies, with the browser managing the refresh process autonomously. Currently, this feature enjoys a limited rollout, supported in Chrome version 147 for Windows and version 150 for macOS, but only for a selected subset of users. Web sites must also support device-bound sessions before Chrome can leverage the protection. Users can verify the feature's activation via Chrome's developer tools. In the Application tab, Chrome indicates the presence of 'device-bound sessions' when the user is signed in to a compatible site and the protection has been enabled.\n\nIt remains uncertain whether other Chromium-based browsers will adopt this feature. Widespread adoption will also depend on whether web sites choose to implement the requisite server-side registration and session-refresh systems necessary for this feature.",
  "summary": "The change targets a common method of account takeover. Attackers who obtain a browser session cookie can sometimes load it into another browser and gain access to an account without entering the victim's password or completing two-factor authentication. Device-bound session credentials are designed to stop that by requiring proof that... Read Entire Article",
  "key_points": [
    "Chrome introduces device-bound session credentials to secure user accounts",
    "Private key stored in hardware component prevents unauthorized access",
    "Web sites must support feature for Chrome to leverage protection"
  ],
  "editors_take": "This development bolsters Chrome's defenses against account takeovers by making stolen session cookies unusable, adding a layer of verification that requires proof of possession of a private key stored on the original device.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}