Hackers are now using many new tricks to steal passwords. These are the secret words or numbers people use to open their bank apps, email, and social media accounts.
Experts say these criminals no longer rely on guessing alone. They now use advanced computer programs and clever methods to steal passwords without people knowing.
Some hackers try common passwords like 123456, password, or a person’s name. Others use powerful software that can test thousands of password combinations in a very short time until they find the right one.
In some cases, hackers do not use computers at all. They simply watch people type their passwords in public. This is known as shoulder surfing.
Another dangerous trick is called keylogging. In this case, a hacker secretly installs a virus on a person’s phone or laptop. The virus records everything the person types, including their passwords.
Hackers also send fake emails or create fake websites that look like the websites of banks or trusted companies. They trick people into typing their passwords on these fake sites, and the passwords go straight to the hackers. This is called phishing.
In public places such as cafés or airports, hackers can steal passwords by spying on internet traffic when people use public Wi-Fi. Public Wi-Fi is often not secure.
Another method is called credential stuffing. Hackers take old passwords that were leaked from other websites and try them on different apps and sites. Many people use the same password for everything, which makes this trick very effective.
So how can people stay safe?
One simple step is to use strong passwords. A good password should mix letters, numbers, and special symbols. The longer and more unusual the password, the harder it is for hackers to guess.
It is also important not to use the same password everywhere. A person’s bank password should be different from their email or social media password. If hackers steal one password, they will not be able to access all the person’s accounts.
People should also be very careful when they receive strange emails or messages that ask them to click a link and log in. If someone receives an email asking them to log in to their bank, they should not click the link. Instead, they should go to the bank’s website directly.
It is safer to avoid using public Wi-Fi for online banking or shopping. If a person must use public Wi-Fi, they should avoid logging in to sensitive accounts.
Phones and computers should always be kept updated. Updates fix security problems that hackers can use.
Good antivirus software can also help. It can detect and block viruses like keyloggers that record typing.
When typing passwords in public, people should always check that no one is watching them. If possible, they should move to a private place before entering sensitive information.
Many banks and apps now offer an extra layer of protection called two-factor authentication. After entering a password, the app sends a code to the person’s phone to confirm their identity. Even if a hacker knows the password, they will not be able to log in without the code.
Hackers are using many clever tricks to steal passwords, but by following simple safety steps, people can make it much harder for them to succeed.
Passwords are like keys to a house. Just as people protect their house keys, they should also protect their passwords.