7 Unexpected Ways Hackers Can Access Your Accounts
Cyberattacks no longer rely solely on brute-force password guessing or traditional phishing scams.
Today’s hackers use far more sophisticated, subtle, and unexpected tactics to gain access to your sensitive accounts, many of which often go unnoticed until it’s too late.
In this blog, we’ll explore seven lesser-known but dangerous techniques hackers use to breach digital accounts and what you can do to protect yourself and your organisation.
1. Cookie Hijacking
Cookies store your session data when you browse the internet. Hackers can hijack these cookies, especially over unsecured networks, to gain unauthorised access to your accounts without needing your password. Once stolen, session cookies can be used to impersonate a user and bypass authentication altogether.
2. SIM Swapping
In a SIM swap, attackers convince your mobile carrier to transfer your phone number to a new SIM card under their control. With your number, they can intercept calls and texts including one-time passwords (OTPs) used in multi-factor authentication giving them a backdoor into your email, banking, and other sensitive accounts.
3. Deepfake Technology
Deepfakes use AI-generated audio or video to impersonate trusted individuals such as colleagues, executives, or family members. These highly realistic forgeries can be used to manipulate employees, bypass voice authentication systems, or initiate fraudulent transactions in social engineering attacks.
4. Exploiting Third-Party Apps
Many users connect their accounts to third-party apps for convenience whether for productivity, calendar access, or file sharing. Hackers exploit vulnerabilities in these connected apps to gain access to the main account they’re linked to, often without direct interaction with the user.
5. Port-Out Fraud
Similar to SIM swapping, port-out fraud involves transferring your phone number to another service provider without your consent. Once completed, hackers control your number and can intercept security verification codes, posing a serious risk to your online accounts.
6. Keylogging Malware
Keyloggers are malicious programs that record every keystroke made on a device. If installed on a user’s system, attackers can capture login credentials, sensitive data, or confidential communications, all without raising any alarms.
7. AI-Powered Phishing
Hackers are now using AI to craft extremely convincing phishing emails that mimic tone, writing style, and layout of legitimate senders.
These emails are difficult to distinguish from genuine communications, making them highly effective in compromising user credentials and installing malware.
Stay One Step Ahead with TechDirect
In an age where cyber threats are evolving faster than ever, understanding these hidden attack vectors is only the beginning. Protecting your business requires proactive monitoring, advanced threat detection, and a strong cybersecurity culture across all endpoints and users.
At TechDirect, we help businesses across the ASEAN region secure their infrastructure with 24/7 threat monitoring, endpoint protection, and zero-trust security frameworks. Our managed security solutions are designed to detect and block modern threats before they can do damage.
Want to fortify your organisation against unexpected attack methods? Contact TechDirect today to strengthen your digital defences.