10/20/2022
How do hackers hack passwords?
When hackers are trying to get passwords, they don’t guess them one by one in a password field. Instead, they have a toolbox of software programs and databases to help them figure out credentials that might work.
First, most passwords that hackers have access to are stolen in large data breaches from popular online services. When popular services like LinkedIn, eBay, and Adobe have millions of records leaked, the passwords stolen in those breaches are compiled in large databases. Less well-known websites are also regularly hacked due to poor security protocols. So, what do hackers do? They use these “dumps” of data to perform “credential stuffing”, where they use software (or “bots”) to automatically test every username and password combination in the database to see if any successfully log on to another website (like a bank).
To learn more and help prevent hackers from getting into your online accounts, go here:
A hackers goal is to gain access to your information. Whether through password spraying or malware, the damage a hacker could inflict is also preventable. Using a password manager and not reusing passwords are a few ways to prevent online identity theft.
