Main methods to steal passwords
We use passwords for practically everything. They are necessary for social networks, registering in any Internet forum, accessing bank accounts… We can say that they are the main security barrier to prevent an intruder from entering our accounts. That is why it is essential to prevent them from being stolen.
Filtering of reused passwords
Undoubtedly one of the most common methods hackers use to steal passwords and accessing the accounts is when one is leaked on the network. For example, you may be registered in an Internet forum and, due to some vulnerability, all user passwords are leaked and exposed for anyone to use.
The problem comes when we reuse that same password on more than one site. In this way, they will not only have access to that forum, but also to any other platform where we use it. For example Facebook, Gmail or any other place where we may be using that same password that has been leaked.
keylogger
Another very common method is to steal passwords through a keylogger. Basically it is malware that sneaks into the system and aims to record all the keystrokes we make. In this way they can know what keys we put and also the username to enter that account.
This type of malicious software can arrive through a download of some program, an attached file that reaches us by e-mail, etc. There are different ways that a keylogger sneaks into us and it is essential to be protected for this. So they could have account access.
Phishing attacks
Do not forget about Phishing attacks. Today they are widely used to steal passwords, but this is not something new. In fact, it is one of the oldest social engineering attacks to steal passwords. They arrive through an SMS or email and it is a link that takes us to a malicious page.
Usually they use a bait for us to enter and be able to steal our accounts. For example, they tell us that there has been an error with our account or that we must log in to make an important change. They usually play fast.
How to avoid these attacks
So what can we do to prevent passwords from being stolen? The most important thing is the common sense. We have seen that in most attacks they will require the action of the victim. For example, that they make a mistake by using the same password on several sites, that they click on a malicious link, that they download malware…
But it is also important to have a good antivirus. This will help us avoid attacks like those of a keylogger. This type of security program is capable of analyzing the system and detecting threats to eliminate them as soon as possible. For example Windows Defender, Avast or Bitdefender are some good options.
On the other hand, it is also advisable to always have All updated. There are many vulnerabilities that may exist and we must always correct them. Having the operating system updated, as well as any program that we use, is essential to avoid problems of this type.
