How do hackers get passwords?

Hackers use various methods and techniques to obtain passwords, and their approaches continue to evolve as technology and cybersecurity measures advance. Here are some common methods employed by hackers to obtain passwords:

1. Phishing:

   • Phishing is a social engineering technique where hackers create deceptive emails, messages, or websites to trick individuals into revealing their usernames and passwords. Phishing emails may appear legitimate, often imitating trusted entities, and contain links to fake login pages.

2. Brute Force Attacks:

   • In a brute force attack, hackers systematically try every possible combination of passwords until they find the correct one. While this method can be time-consuming, it can be effective against weak or easily guessable passwords.

3. Credential Stuffing:

   • Hackers use lists of usernames and passwords obtained from previous data breaches on other platforms. They attempt to log in to various accounts using these credentials, exploiting individuals who reuse passwords across multiple services.

4. Keylogging:

   • Keyloggers are malware or hardware devices that record keystrokes on a computer or mobile device. By capturing keystrokes, hackers can obtain usernames, passwords, and other sensitive information entered by the user.

5. Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) Attacks:

   • In MitM attacks, hackers intercept communication between two parties, gaining unauthorized access to the data being exchanged. This can include capturing login credentials entered on compromised networks or through insecure connections.

6. SQL Injection:

   • SQL injection is a technique where hackers exploit vulnerabilities in web applications to manipulate a database. By injecting malicious SQL code, attackers can gain unauthorized access to sensitive information, including usernames and passwords.

7. Pharming:

   • Pharming involves redirecting users from legitimate websites to fraudulent ones without their knowledge. Attackers create malicious websites that mimic legitimate login pages to collect users' login credentials.

8. Password Sniffing:

   • Password sniffing involves intercepting and monitoring network traffic to capture plaintext passwords. This can be done using specialized software or hardware devices placed on a network.

9. Social Engineering:

   • Social engineering tactics involve manipulating individuals to divulge confidential information. Hackers may use various techniques, such as impersonation, pretexting, or phishing calls, to trick individuals into revealing their passwords.

10. Wi-Fi Hacking:

    • Hackers may exploit vulnerabilities in Wi-Fi networks to intercept data, including login credentials, transmitted over the network. This can be done through techniques such as packet sniffing or man-in-the-middle attacks.

Protecting against these password-related threats requires adopting good cybersecurity practices, including:

• Using strong and unique passwords for each account.
• Enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) when available.
• Being cautious of phishing attempts and verifying the authenticity of websites.
• Keeping software and systems up to date to patch known vulnerabilities.
• Using secure and encrypted connections, especially on public Wi-Fi networks.

Educating users about these threats and promoting cybersecurity awareness is crucial in preventing unauthorized access to sensitive accounts.