Password Example

About Password Hacks and Attacks

Whether it’s an online account data breach or your neighbor’s teenager hacking your internet router, most of us are becoming the victims of hackers and scammers. It has become second-nature for most of us to use social media platforms or managing finances and banking online; technology is engrained in our modern, daily lives.

There is a great deal of personal and financial information we need to remain confidential and protected. However, password attacks are becoming common nowadays. Most of the hackers use various methods to access user accounts that contain both sensitive and confidential content.

To prevent these password attacks, it helps to know the most common techniques used by password hackers. By knowing the potential risks; you will be better able to prevent them.

Some of the most commonly used password attack methods, and suggestions how you can protect your online information, are described below:

Prevention of brute force attacks

The most common way hackers try to access your online accounts is by using computer software that enables them to try thousands of passwords in seconds. You can prevent attacks from hackers by taking certain security steps for your accounts.

It would help to start using lengthy passwords. Hacker software is usually adept at breaking shorter passwords.

Use a mix of letters, numbers and symbols to make it stronger.

You should talk to an IT company to provide you with “Remote Access Management” tool. These security features can minimize the risk of your passwords being hacked.

Enable multi-factor authentication on your account. It will keep the hackers away from your account as they will not be able to pass the multi-level security features and they will be locked out of your accounts after so many failed attempts.

Prevention of credential stuffing

It is another method used by hackers is to gain access to older websites with outdated security. This gives them access to user names and passwords which they can then use on more current websites. You can take certain measures to prevent this method of hacking.

You should regularly change your passwords, and create different passwords for different sites, so that hackers do not access your account easily with the same password.

Regularly check your online accounts if you don’t use them, delete the account.

When you register on any website, always assume the possibilities that your password and data can be breached.

Try using a Password-Manager to help you remember your passwords. These apps will also assist in keeping your passwords protected and up-to-date.

Prevent Keylogging by spyware

Keylogging, or Keystoke Logging is another common method for hacking. It happens when a user thinks they are opening a trusted link or downloading a safe programming, when it is actually spying malware that tracks your keystrokes when you type user names and passwords. It is a very simple way for hackers to access your account regularly. You can take certain measures to prevent this method of hacking on your accounts.

You should check for the viruses in your system regularly.

Keep your system scanned for viruses.

Clean your systems and restore them to the original settings periodically.

Research any email or link, even if sent from a trusted source.

Prevent Dictionary Attacks

People who use specific words as their passwords are very prone to Dictionary Attacks by hackers. Hackers have access to free software (such as Kali Linux) that tries short and common password lists (such as rockyou.txt) that many people use or have used. More often than not, they find success. You can prevent this method by taking various steps.

Always keep in mind that short words and specific terminologies are guessed by hackers super easily.

Never use specific words as your passwords and never use the same word for multiple passwords.

Vary your password using letters, numbers and symbols.

Never use a plain dictionary word as your password.

It is not beneficial to keep the name of your pet or your favorite color, date of birth, favorite place, and food, etc., as your password.

Prevent man-in-the-middle attacks

Man-in-the-middle attacks happen, most commonly, by sending an email that looks like it is from a legitimate source, like a bank or credit card, and you access the link with your log-in information, ultimately giving hackers the ability to access your accounts. You can keep your system and accounts safe through various prevention methods.

The most advised security step is to Enable two-factor authentication for your financial and banking websites and also use strong credentials. The hacker may have your password, but they won’t have access to your email or cell phone to complete the second step in a secure log on.

It would be best if you encrypted your router or modem. If it is exposed to the area where you live, the chances get very high for the hackers to see your activities.

You can also use a VPN to keep yourself protected from this method.