Common methods hackers use to steal information
If you’ve ever thought to yourself, “Why would anyone want my personal information when I'm nobody”, well, the answer is: identity theft.
Author:Tyreece BauerReviewer:Gordon DickersonMar 22, 2022177.7K Shares2.6M Views
If you’ve ever thought to yourself, “Why would anyone want my personal information when I'm nobody”, well, the answer is: identity theft. While the masses might be concerned about big data collection, it’s our sensitive information that we have to look out for. We might feel safe with hologramsembedded in our ID, or take pride in the fact that we never expose our pin or credit card in public, the fact is that when you’re on the internet, sometimes, all they need is your login information.
Phishing
Beware of the links sent through emails, because you might just click on one that’s fishing for your information. If you receive an urgent email that incites panic, the first thing you want to do is to take a step back and evaluate the situation. Most hackers and scammers rely on fear in order to get what they want. When their victims panic, it’s when they drop their defenses. Regardless of whether the email comes from a bank or your best friend, always double check by contacting them through another platform.
So, if you receive something alarming through your email, call your bank and ask for clarification, or if it’s from a friend, you could always call just to confirm.
Most phishing emails make up stories that prompt their victims to act irrationally, such as following a link to a website that’s set up to look like their bank’s in order to steal their login details. Again, we are often lulled into a false sense of security by 2-step verification, but many people use the same password for their accounts and having that password gives hackers a key insight into your thinking patterns - which is why it’s much more important to use a password generator than to use phrases that you come up with.
Smishing
Phishing can take place on social media as well, and it’s called smishing, and it’s often used in conjunction with phishing or when the scammer already has your private information and is now looking to obtain your OTPs in order to gain access to your accounts. Always be aware of suspicious links and messages. Sometimes you might receive tempting offers or promotions, but if it doesn’t come from a legitimate source (you can check on the company’s website), ignore it.
Malware
Another common method to obtain private information is simply by inserting a bug into the victim’s computer. Not only will the hacker receive all the information that’s already on your PC, they will also be able to track your movements. Spyware can also listen from your microphone and record you from your webcam, which is why if you have a built-in webcam, you might want to keep it covered.
To prevent bugs from infecting your software, you will need antivirus software. Many of these require a subscription but that’s the price of security. Furthermore, you should also keep your operating system updated because patches and updates are a way to stay on top of vulnerabilities.
Tyreece Bauer
Author
A trendsetter in the world of digital nomad living, Tyreece Bauer excels in Travel and Cybersecurity. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science from MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) and is a certified Cybersecurity professional.
As a Digital Nomad, he combines his passion for exploring new destinations with his expertise in ensuring digital security on the go. Tyreece's background includes extensive experience in travel technology, data privacy, and risk management in the travel industry.
He is known for his innovative approach to securing digital systems and protecting sensitive information for travelers and travel companies alike. Tyreece's expertise in cybersecurity for mobile apps, IoT devices, and remote work environments makes him a trusted advisor in the digital nomad community.
Tyreece enjoys documenting his adventures, sharing insights on staying secure while traveling and contributing to the digital nomad lifestyle community.
Gordon Dickerson
Reviewer
Gordon Dickerson, a visionary in Crypto, NFT, and Web3, brings over 10 years of expertise in blockchain technology.
With a Bachelor's in Computer Science from MIT and a Master's from Stanford, Gordon's strategic leadership has been instrumental in shaping global blockchain adoption. His commitment to inclusivity fosters a diverse ecosystem.
In his spare time, Gordon enjoys gourmet cooking, cycling, stargazing as an amateur astronomer, and exploring non-fiction literature.
His blend of expertise, credibility, and genuine passion for innovation makes him a trusted authority in decentralized technologies, driving impactful change with a personal touch.
Latest Articles
Popular Articles