7 Surprising Ways Hackers Can Break Into Your Accounts (and How to Stay Safe)

We all know the obvious ways hackers can get into your accounts—weak passwords, phishing emails, clicking something you shouldn’t have. But what about the lesser-known methods?

Hackers are constantly evolving, and some of their tricks are sneakier than you’d expect. If you’re only protecting yourself from the obvious threats, you might be leaving the door wide open to the rest.

Let’s talk about seven unexpected ways cybercriminals can sneak into your personal or business accounts—and what you can do to stop them.

First, a Quick Look at the Classics

Before we dive into the newer tactics, let’s touch on the basics. Hackers still rely on things like:

Brute force attacks, where they try a bunch of password combinations until one works.
Social engineering, where they trick you into handing over information.
Credential stuffing, where they use login details from one breach to try and access your other accounts.

These are the building blocks. But from there, they get more creative.

Ever notice how you stay logged into sites without re-entering your password? That’s thanks to browser cookies. But if a hacker grabs your session cookies—say, by using an unsecured public Wi-Fi or a sketchy link—they can log in as you without needing your credentials at all.

2. SIM Swapping

Many of us rely on text messages for two-factor authentication. But if someone convinces your mobile provider to transfer your number to a SIM card they control, they can intercept your messages and reset your passwords. Scary, right?

3. Deepfake Scams

We’re not just talking fake videos of celebrities. Hackers are using AI to mimic your boss’s voice or a coworker’s tone to trick you into handing over information or even sending money.

4. Third-Party App Loopholes

We’ve all clicked “Allow access” without reading the fine print. But if you connect a third-party app to your email or cloud account, and that app has weak security, hackers can use it as a backdoor into your main accounts.

5. Port-Out Fraud

This is like SIM swapping’s sneaky cousin. Instead of just transferring your number to a new SIM, hackers port your number to a completely different mobile provider. Then they go after your bank or email accounts.

6. Keylogging

Some malware doesn’t slow your computer down or make a fuss—it just quietly records everything you type. Every. Single. Keystroke. Including your passwords.

7. AI-Enhanced Phishing

Old phishing emails were full of typos and shady links. These days, hackers use AI to create near-perfect messages that look like they came from your team, your vendors, or even your own systems. They’re harder to spot—and more convincing.

How to Protect Yourself From These Sneaky Tactics

The good news? You’re not powerless. Here’s what we recommend to keep your accounts safe:

Use an authenticator app or hardware key, not just SMS-based two-factor authentication.
Regularly monitor your accounts for suspicious activity.
Don’t log into important accounts on public Wi-Fi—use a VPN instead.
Be picky about third-party app permissions—only connect apps you trust.
Brush up on phishing awareness—especially the new AI-enhanced kind.

Add These to Your Cybersecurity Toolkit

If you really want to stay ahead of modern cyber threats, here are a few more smart habits:

Keep your software up to date. Those updates often fix security holes.
Back up your data regularly. Follow the 3-2-1 rule: 3 copies, 2 locations, 1 offsite.
Use encrypted messaging tools for anything sensitive.
Stay educated. Hackers evolve, and your knowledge should too.

Don’t Wait for a Breach to Get Serious About Security

Cybersecurity isn’t just for big companies. It’s for every individual and small business trying to stay one step ahead in a connected world.

If you’re in Kennesaw or the greater Atlanta area, we’d love to help you tighten up your defenses and make sure your team knows what to watch for.

Let’s keep your data (and your sanity) safe—reach out today.

06/05/2025