Advanced digital technology has made our lives easier than ever, but it has also made it just as easy for hackers to take advantage of our online weaknesses. Hackers are getting smarter and using more creative ways to get into users’ personal and business accounts. We think of weak passwords and phishing emails to be the biggest threats to our data, but hackers also use a lot of other, less well-known methods to get into accounts. Here are 7 sneaky ways hackers gain access to your accounts and how you can keep them safe.

Hacking methods have changed a lot over the years, taking advantage of new and developing technology and tricks people are good at. Hackers still use brute force attacks and other old-fashioned methods to get around security measures, but they are becoming more sophisticated.

One very common way is social engineering, where hackers trick people into giving up private information. They may pose as a friend, colleagues or a very recognisable brand, all with the goal of getting you to give up private information they can use against you in the future.

Another type is credential stuffing, which is when you use stolen login information from past data breaches to get into multiple accounts. You’d be very surprised how often this may work and it works all too well when you use the same password or very common phrases across multiple accounts.

There are also attacks that are powered by AI, which lets hackers make convincing fake campaigns or even change security systems.

It is very important to understand these hacking techniques because they are the building blocks of more complex and surprising hacking techniques. We’ll get into more about these less common methods and how they can affect your digital safety in the parts that follow.

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:

Cookies are small files stored on your device that save login sessions for websites. While convenient for users, they can be a goldmine for hackers. 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.

Your mobile phone number is often used as a second layer of authentication for online accounts. Hackers can perform a SIM swap by convincing your mobile provider to transfer your number to a new SIM card they control. Once they have access to your phone number, they can intercept two-factor authentication (2FA) codes and reset account passwords.

Deepfake technology has advanced rapidly in recent years, allowing hackers to create realistic audio and video impersonations. This method is increasingly used in social engineering attacks, where a hacker might pose as a trusted colleague, family member or even in some crazy cases as a celebrity to gain access to sensitive information.

Many people link their accounts with third-party applications for convenience. However, these apps often have weaker security protocols. Hackers can exploit vulnerabilities in third-party apps to gain access to linked accounts.

Similar to SIM swapping, 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.

Keyloggers are malicious programs that record every keystroke you make. Once installed on your device, they can capture emails, passwords and other sensitive information without your knowledge.

Traditional phishing emails are easy to spot due to poor grammar or suspicious links. However, AI-powered phishing campaigns use machine learning to construct highly convincing emails tailored specifically for their targets. These emails mimic legitimate communications so well that even tech-savvy individuals can fall victim.

Now that we’ve explored some of the unexpected ways hackers can access your accounts, it’s time to focus on prevention strategies. Below are practical steps you can take:

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 (Commonly from Google or Microsoft) or hardware security keys for added protection.

Keep an eye on account activity for any unauthorised logins or changes. Many platforms offer notifications for suspicious activity—make sure these are enabled. If you notice anything suspicious, log out of all sessions and change your password immediately.

Public Wi-Fi networks are breeding grounds for cyberattacks like cookie hijacking. You should use a virtual private network (VPN) when accessing sensitive accounts on public networks.

Before linking any third-party app to your main accounts, verify its credibility and review its permissions. You should revoke access from apps you no longer use to keep your accounts as secure as possible.

Learn how to identify phishing attempts by scrutinising 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:

Hackers often exploit outdated software with known vulnerabilities. Ensure all devices and applications are updated regularly with the latest security patches.

Regularly back up important data using the 3-2-1 rule: keep three copies of your data on two different storage media with one copy stored offsite. This ensures you can recover quickly in case of ransomware attacks or data loss.

For sensitive communications, use encrypted messaging platforms that protect data from interception by unauthorised parties.

Whether for personal use or within an organisation, ongoing education about emerging threats is invaluable. Understanding how hackers operate helps you identify potential risks before they escalate.

By implementing these measures alongside specific protections against unexpected hacking methods, you’ll significantly reduce your vulnerability to cyber attacks.

Cybersecurity is a must — it’s a necessity in our interconnected world. As hackers continue to take advantage of new ways of accessing accounts, staying informed and proactive is crucial.

We specialise in helping SME’s safeguard their digital assets against evolving threats. Contact us today for expert guidance on securing your online presence and protecting what matters most.

Article used with permission from The Technology Press.