You may have been, or you may know someone who has fallen victim to an email account hack or other types of issues with their password for banking or social media. These issues could be a result of your password being hacked.
We use passwords to keep all types of sensitive information safe, so it is essential to learn how the hackers are accessing your password to better understand how you can protect yourself from getting hacked. At CMIT Solutions, cybersecurity for Pittsburgh businesses is our top priority, which is why we have put together information on how to keep your passwords and other account information safe.
Methods Hackers Use to Get Your Passwords
One common way hackers can steal your information is by use phishing pages. With this method, hackers will send a login to a platform such as Gmail or Instagram that looks exactly like the real login page.
To get you to use these pages, the hackers will typically send out a message claiming, “Someone has posted a bad photo of you on Instagram, click this link to check your photo.” After you click the link, you are taken to a login page. As soon as you enter your login information, the hacker has access to your password, and you may not even know it.
Other methods that hackers use include:
RAT
With RAT (Remote Administration Tool), a hacker can connect to your computer without you being aware. The hacker can see your screen and the sites you visit, along with the built-in functionality of a keylogger.
Using RAT, the hacker can copy files from your hard disk to their computer without you ever knowing about it.
Keyloggers
A keylogger resides in your system memory and logs all of your keystrokes. The keylogger is something that runs each time you start up your computer. A log will be created and then sent to a hacker, providing them with your password.
You can use tools such as an Online Virtual Keyboard to help protect your passwords for sensitive information like banking or email.
Trojan Horses
A Trojan horse is one of the most common types of malware and is mainly spread through warez sites that provide free software. Anything downloaded from warez sites is thoroughly infected with a trojan, including the keygens, patches, and the original trial programs. So, you may get the software for free, but your system will become infected with a trojan horse.
Tips for Keeping Yourself Safe from Hacking
- Be sure to install a high-quality, licensed anti-virus. (Keep in mind, this program will not be able to remove a Trojan horse from your computer.)
- Use a password manager.
- Keep your Windows Firewall turned on at all times.
- Encrypt all your data.
- Do not run any attachments from your emails unless you know the source is secure.
- If you think you may be infected, it is important to format your computer or cellphone immediately.
- Do regular security checks every quarter or mid-way through the year depending on your specific needs.
- Never use warez sites under any circumstances because you will likely infect your computer with malware.
Contact CMIT Solutions today for all of your cybersecurity needs. We are your top choice for IT Solutions in, and we are dedicated to providing you with multi-layered security defense to protect your business from persistent cyber threats.