Online account hacking has become increasingly common in recent years. With more of our personal and financial information stored digitally, hackers have found countless ways to gain unauthorized access to user accounts. Unfortunately, discovering that one or more of your online accounts has been compromised can be a frustrating and stressful experience.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the most common ways hackers can gain access to your online accounts, provide tips on how to secure your accounts against hacking attempts, and outline the steps you should take if you discover your accounts have already been compromised.
How do hackers gain access to accounts?
Hackers use a variety of clever and constantly evolving methods to access online accounts. Some of the most common techniques include:
- Phishing – Hackers send fake login pages via email to steal usernames and passwords. These emails often look like they are from legitimate companies.
- Malware – Malicious software is installed on a device to collect passwords and other sensitive information.
- Password guessing – Automated tools are used to guess weak passwords through brute force.
- Data breaches – Login credentials are stolen from websites and sold on the dark web.
- SIM swapping – Hackers call your cell provider and pretend to be you in order to transfer service to a SIM card they control.
- Keylogging – Malware tracks your keystrokes to steal passwords and other data you type.
- Skimming – Your credit card is swiped through a covert card reader to steal financial information.
With an ever-growing number of ways for hackers to access accounts, it’s important to stay vigilant and keep your login credentials secure.
How to secure your accounts
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to significantly reduce your risk of being hacked:
Use strong passwords
Weak, reused, or default passwords are an invitation for hackers to access your accounts. Follow these password tips:
- Make passwords long and complex – at least 12 characters, with upper/lowercase, numbers, and symbols.
- Avoid personal info or common words/phrases that can be guessed.
- Don’t reuse passwords across multiple sites.
- Use a password manager to generate and store unique passwords.
- Change passwords periodically, at least every 90 days.
Enable two-factor authentication
Two-factor or multi-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security beyond just a password. It typically requires providing two forms of identification to log in, like:
- Password + One-time code sent via text/email
- Password + Biometric like fingerprint or face scan
- Password + Security key device
Turn on two-factor authentication for any accounts that offer it, especially email, financial, and social media.
Be wary of phishing attempts
Carefully inspect any emails requesting you to login or provide personal information. Phishing emails often contain typos, use threatening language, come from odd addresses, and have other red flags:
- Hover over links to see if the URLs look legitimate.
- Look for poor grammar/spelling errors.
- Verify the sender email address is an official one.
- Contact companies directly instead of clicking email links.
Keep software updated
Maintaining current software, operating systems, and apps is crucial. Updates often patch security vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit:
- Enable automatic updates whenever possible.
- Periodically check for and install available updates.
- Update obsolete programs that are no longer supported.
Use antivirus protection
Antivirus software helps detect and block malware and other threats. For Windows PCs, use built-in Windows Defender or third-party solutions like Bitdefender, Kaspersky, or Norton.
For Macs, Windows Defender, Avast, and Sophos Home are good options. And for phones/tablets, stick with reputable apps from official app stores.
Avoid public Wi-Fi
Public Wi-Fi hotspots are prone to hacking. When possible, avoid logging into accounts or accessing sensitive info on public networks. If you must use public Wi-Fi, enable your device’s hotspot feature or use a VPN service to encrypt your connection.
Monitor account activity
Routinely check your online accounts for any unauthorized access or changes. Look for:
- Login attempts from unrecognized devices/locations.
- New social media posts you didn’t create.
- Password change notifications you didn’t initiate.
- Unfamiliar files/activity in cloud storage.
Enabling login notifications can alert you to suspicious access attempts.
Steps if you’ve been hacked
If you discover your online accounts have been accessed without authorization, remain calm and take these steps:
1. Secure your accounts
Your first priority is preventing further damage. Take actions like:
- Change passwords for compromised accounts and any others sharing the same password.
- Remove unauthorized users/devices from account settings.
- Run antivirus scans to check for and remove malware.
2. Contact relevant institutions
If financial, government, health, or other sensitive accounts are affected, contact those institutions immediately. They can freeze/close accounts and help spot suspicious activity.
3. Scan all devices
Thoroughly scan computers, phones, tablets, and any other devices that were logged into compromised accounts. Delete suspicious emails/files and run antivirus software to check for malware or spyware.
4. Deactivate compromised accounts
Temporarily deactivate accounts that were hacked until they can be recovered and secured. This limits ongoing misuse in the meantime.
5. Enact stronger security
Going forward, enable all recommended security protections like two-factor authentication. Also change passwords for any accounts that even potentially could have been breached.
6. Monitor your credit
For 90 days after discovering a financial account hack, closely monitor bank/credit card statements and credit reports for fraudulent activity. Consider placing a credit freeze or fraud alert if SSN was compromised.
7. File a police report
Filing a report creates an official record if you need to dispute fraudulent charges or purchases later.
Preventing future hacks
Here are some final tips to improve overall account security and reduce chances of being hacked again down the road:
- Use unique complex passwords for all important accounts.
- Enable two-factor authentication wherever possible.
- Be extremely cautious of phishing attempts in email, texts, calls.
- Only download apps from official stores; avoid sideloading.
- Keep software updated and use security protection like antivirus.
- Don’t save passwords in browsers; use a password manager instead.
- Review account settings and look for unfamiliar linked apps/devices.
- Monitor financial statements and credit reports for signs of misuse.
- Avoid logging into accounts on public Wi-Fi networks.
Staying vigilant is key – hackers are constantly evolving their techniques. But following cybersecurity best practices can help keep your online accounts safe from the vast majority of hacking threats.
Conclusion
Hackers have many clever ways to gain unauthorized access to online accounts, but account owners can take proactive steps to improve security. Using strong unique passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, monitoring account activity, and being cautious of phishing attempts are all key actions to secure your accounts.
If accounts do become compromised, respond quickly to prevent further misuse, scan devices for malware, and monitor your credit. While hacking attempts are inevitable today, staying informed about risks and following cybersecurity best practices makes you far less likely to become a victim.