Convenience can come at a cost. While the digital age has made our lives easier, hackers are taking advantage of our online weaknesses and getting more creative to access our sensitive data. Weak passwords and phishing emails are some of the biggest threats in the world, but hackers also use an abundance of lesser known methods to get into accounts.
All in Technology security notes seven surprising ways hackers can access your accounts and is here to provide you with tips on how to keep your data safe.
What Are the Most Common Hacking Techniques?
Hacking methods continue to evolve, and hackers consistently take advantage of advances in technology. Brute force attacks and other “old-fashioned” methods are still in use, but they’re less effective than they used to be, encouraging hackers to adopt more sophisticated techniques.
One of the most common examples is social engineering, in which hackers trick people into giving up private information. Another type is credential stuffing, which occurs when stolen login information from past data breaches is used to access multiple accounts. There has also been a trend towards the use of AI to initiate hacking.
It’s important to understand these hacking strategies since they are the building blocks of more complex and surprising hacking techniques.
How Do Hackers Exploit Lesser-Known Vulnerabilities?
Hackers don’t always rely on obvious weaknesses; they often exploit overlooked aspects of digital security. Here are some of the unexpected ways hackers can access your accounts:
Cookie Hijacking
Cookies are small files stored on your device that save login sessions for websites. Although they enhance user convenience, these features can serve as rich sources of data for cybercriminals. By intercepting or stealing cookies through malicious links or unsecured networks, hackers can impersonate you and gain access to your accounts without needing your password.
SIM Swapping
Your mobile phone number is often used as a second layer of authentication for online accounts. Hackers can perform what is called a SIM swap. This happens when they convince your mobile provider to transfer your number to a new SIM card that the hackers control. Once they have access to your phone number, they can intercept two-factor authentication (2FA) codes and reset account passwords.
Deepfake Technology
Deepfake technology has advanced rapidly, allowing hackers to create realistic audio or video impersonations. This method is increasingly used in social engineering attacks, where a hacker might pose as a trusted colleague or owner of the business to gain access to sensitive information.
Exploiting Third-Party Apps
Many people link their accounts with third-party applications for convenience. However, these apps often have weaker security protocols, making it easier for hackers to exploit vulnerabilities in the third-party apps to gain access to linked accounts.
Port-Out Fraud
Similar to SIM swapping above, Port-Out Fraud involves transferring your phone number to another provider without your consent. With access to your number, hackers can intercept calls and messages meant for you, including sensitive account recovery codes.
Keylogging Malware
Keyloggers are malicious programs that record every keystroke you make. Once installed on your device, they can capture login credentials and other sensitive information without your knowledge.
AI-Powered Phishing
Traditional phishing emails are easy to spot due to poor grammar or suspicious links. However, AI-powered phishing campaigns use machine learning to craft highly convincing emails tailored specifically for their targets. These emails mimic legitimate communications so well that even tech-savvy individuals can fall victim. That’s why it helps to layer your security with both human and machine endpoint management.
The All in Technology team is committed to keeping our clients ahead of cyber threats and well-informed. When you partner with AiT, you benefit from a team of U.S.-based engineers who continuously monitor your systems and promptly notify you of any suspicious activity like the above threats. The following section of this article will focus on practical steps you can take to better protect yourself and your business from these unexpected threats.
How Can You Protect Yourself from These Threats?
Strengthen Your Authentication Methods
Using strong passwords and enabling multi-factor authentication (MFA) are essential first steps. However, consider going beyond SMS-based MFA by using app-based authenticators or hardware security keys for added protection.
Monitor Your Accounts Regularly
Keep an eye on account activity for any unauthorized logins or changes. Many platforms offer notifications for suspicious activity—make sure these are enabled. We understand that these notifications can get buried in your email. That’s why it’s important to have a team like the All in Technology engineers constantly monitoring your endpoints. More eyes on your data means the quicker malicious activity can be shut down.
Avoid Public Wi-Fi Networks
Public Wi-Fi networks are an open door for cyberattacks like cookie hijacking. This is why it is essential to use a virtual private network (VPN) when accessing sensitive accounts on public networks.
Be Cautious With Third-Party Apps
Before linking any third-party app, verify its credibility and review its permissions. Periodically check in on all of your linked accounts and revoke access from apps you no longer use.
Educate Yourself About Phishing
Learn how to identify phishing attempts by scrutinizing email addresses and avoiding clicking on unfamiliar links. When in doubt, contact the sender through a verified channel before responding.
Beyond protecting against specific hacking techniques, adopting a proactive cybersecurity mindset is essential in today’s threat landscape. Here are some broader measures you should consider:
- Regular software updates
- Data Backups
- Use Encrypted Communication Tools
- Invest in Cybersecurity Training
By implementing these measures alongside specific protections against unexpected hacking methods, you’ll significantly reduce your vulnerability to cyberattacks.
Secure Your Digital Life Today
Cybersecurity is not optional—it’s a necessity in our interconnected world. As hackers continue to innovate new ways of accessing sensitive data, staying informed and proactive is crucial.
All in Technology specializes in helping businesses safeguard their digital assets against evolving threats. We can bring your cyber security to a new level by adding MFA or by adding more depth to your cyber security stack. It’s time to give the AiT experts a call at 888-201-5030.
Contact us today for expert guidance on securing your online presence and protecting what matters most.
Article used with permission from The Technology Press.