How Do Hackers Steal Passwords?

What is Hacking?

Acts intended at exploiting digital devices such as computers, cellphones, tablets, and even entire networks are referred to as hacking.

While hacking isn't always for malicious purposes, most references to it (and hackers) nowadays define it (and them) as illicit cybercriminal behaviour motivated by monetary gain, protest, information collecting (spying), or even just for the "fun" of it.

How Hacking Works?

Hacking is usually technical in nature. However, hackers can utilise psychology to persuade a user to open a harmful file or provide sensitive information. "Social engineering" is the term for these techniques. Besides social engineering and malvertising, common hacking techniques include: Botnets, Browser hijacks, Denial of Service (DoS) attacks, Ransomware, Trojans, Viruses, Worms, etc.

How Hackers Steal Passwords?

Now let's get an insight into the ways that hackers use to steal passwords −

Phishing

The most typical technique for a hacker to get your password is using this method. You receive an email from what you assume to be a trustworthy firm, asking you to supply account information. You submit your credentials or even your bank account details because this is a familiar organisation, and the hacker now has everything he needs to get access to your accounts.

Always double-check email addresses to ensure that the person sending you the message is from the firm and not a scammer. This will assist you in determining which emails are legitimate and which emails you should discard and ignore.

Social Engineering

This method, which is still quite common, includes phoning a person and informing them that their computer has a virus and that they need to update it right away. Most of the time, the hacker requests not only your credentials but also some sort of payment. They've been paid, and they now have your credit card information as well as your login credentials.

Don't divulge any information about your computer to anyone claiming to be able to assist you. If you can't fix it yourself and suspect you have a virus, take your computer to a respected shop like Best Buy or Apple to get it looked at. Never hand out personal information to anybody over the phone.

Malware

Malware is a type of malicious software that infects your computer. This program may scan your computer for passwords and login information, particularly for financial sites.

Never click on a link in an email or download anything to your computer that you don't know where it came from or what it's for. This is a simple way to have information taken without exerting any effort, and eliminating Malware from your computer may be a pain and frequently necessitates the assistance of a specialist.

Unsecure WiFi

It's fantastic when a business provides free Wi-Fi to its clients. Using unprotected WiFi to access bank accounts or other password-protected accounts, on the other hand, can be risky. This invites the hackers to come in and steal your data.

Unsecured WiFi or WiFi that does not require a password, should be avoided at all costs. A hacker might possibly see everything you do when using public WiFi. Use a VPN to safeguard your internet browser if you rely on open WiFi to get the job done.

Time Spent on Unsecured Websites

Spending time on insecure websites can provide hackers with all of the data they want directly from your machine. These sites are frequently suspect and infested with hackers. Do not submit any personal information if your site's toolbar does not have a lock next to it.

Also, always make sure that when entering credentials on key websites, such as your bank, the green checkmark indicates that it is the website you desire to be on and that it is secure. It's the simplest approach to protect oneself.

Using Your Phone Number on Social Media

This is a newer method of obtaining password information, but it is still risky. To provide an extra degree of security, most social networking platforms now require you to input your phone number. Hackers can redirect those phone calls to a number they generated in order to change your password, giving them access to your account and all of your personal information.

To log in to social networking, use the same email and password every time. Giving up your phone number on the internet exposes you to hackers and prospective social media users with malicious intent. Regardless, it's a good idea to stay away from it.

Brute Force Attack

Brute Force is a method of guessing your password depending on your preferences. Surprisingly, these trial and error approach frequently succeed.

The easiest approach to defend yourself against brute force assaults is to update your password on a frequent basis and make it difficult to guess. If you post about your dog all the time on social media, hackers will be able to figure out his name and address rather easily. The more secure your password is, the more difficult it is to break into your system.

Attacks by a Third-Party

When hackers obtain information from a third party, this is known as a third-party attack. When huge firms like Target and credit card companies have their security penetrated, this is something we hear about more and more in the news.

Using a password manager to guarantee the hackers don't get away with your master vault password is one technique to avoid this from happening.