Fortinet Support Specialists Share Sneaky Ways Hackers Access Your Accounts

Being part of the digital age has its benefits as well as risks. This is because hackers are always looking for new methods to enter people’s accounts. Nowadays, they use other sneaky means to get hold of your accounts, says Fortinet support experts. These threat actors now use tools and tricks that most people never expect. Here are some surprising attacks that these crooks use so you can prevent them.  

Fortinet Support Specialists Share Sneaky Ways Hackers Access Your Accounts

Nothing Basic About Common Attacks 

Hackers now use social engineering, credential stuffing, and smarter tools. Fortinet support professionals explain that tricks such as social engineering are one of the most successful techniques. This is because it convinces someone to reveal their private information. Credential stuffing, on the other hand, is becoming a more common problem because as threat actors take over one account, they eventually use it to breach others. 

Moreover, it is now a trend among these cyber criminals to use AI for their unscrupulous deeds. They use AI to send out phony emails, get past security filters, and make even trained users fall for it. Professionals behind Fortinet support emphasize that being aware of these tactics allows you to spot and prepare against them.  

Hacker Methods That Not Everyone Knows About 

There are already tried and tested hacking methods that cyber crooks use. However, very few technology users are aware of them. Below are some ways hackers breach personal and business accounts, according to Fortinet support experts.  

Cookie Hijacking and Public Wi-Fi Risks 

Your login information is saved by cookies, so you don’t have to type it in repeatedly. And that is why hackers love them. They can grab these cookies either by sending faulty links or by using public Wi-Fi. Fortinet support professionals further warn that hackers may exploit cookies to bypass password logins. 

Furthermore, there is also the risk in using public Wi-Fi. These cyber criminals monitor activity on public Wi-Fi and steal information when opportunity strikes. Therefore, hackers may jeopardize your account by either hijacking it or misleading you to a false website. To prevent this, Fortinet support specialists encourage ditching the use of public Wi-Fi. However, should this be unavoidable, using a VPN is a good way to guard your data.  

SIM Swaps and Port-Out Scams 

Many websites use your phone number for two-factor authentication. Although this is an added layer of protection, it is not foolproof. This is because hackers may hijack your phone number to breach accounts. Hence, the reason for scams directed towards getting hold of your phone number. On the other hand, in cases of a SIM swap, attackers trick carriers into moving your number. This port-out fraud works in the same way but done by another carrier. Once they get control of your number, they can reset passwords and grab your security codes. It is therefore important to lock your account with a PIN or passcode provided by your carrier. Fortinet support experts say this greatly helps improve your account’s security. 

Fortinet Support Specialists Share Sneaky Ways Hackers Access Your Accounts2

Risks in Deepfakes and Third-Party App  

Recently, hackers have made it a trend to use deepfake for their misdeeds. Deepfake is an AI-powered technology that allows hackers to pose as another person. Usually impersonating someone you trust or in a position of authority, it lets hackers grab important personal or business data. As such Fortinet support providers caution about the danger of receiving a fake video or voicemail. Additionally, it is encouraged to have a secondary means of confirmation, especially when sharing confidential information.  

Then there are third-party apps. As most people link all their accounts to third-party apps, they fail to recognize the danger that these new apps bring. This is because threat actors can take advantage of weaker apps to get through the more important online accounts. Therefore, it is imperative to always check app permissions and remove old apps from your list. And, of course, be vigilant. If something seems odd, don’t connect to it.  

Keyloggers and AI-Powered Phishing 

Keyloggers are one way hackers try to remain unnoticed. Hackers use keyloggers to keep track of everything you type. This software can accidentally get installed when you download from or click on an unsafe link. Providers of Fortinet support explosions that as this malware infects your system, it will quietly take your information such as usernames and passwords, among others. 

Additionally, AI now helps cybercriminals create convincing phishing messages. Prior to AI, it was usually simple for users to spot phishing attempts due to their poor grammar and odd design. However, with the help of AI, these phishing emails now look more legitimate and convincing.

As such, it is more important than ever to scrutinize links and emails before clicking or downloading. Only check links and attachments if they are proven secure and from the correct contact person.  

Fortinet Support Providers Share Some Tips to Stay Safe 

Smarter Authentication 

Passwords aren’t enough anymore. Not only should you use a strong password, it is also necessary for each account to have a different password. A good password management can help with this. Furthermore, multi-factor authentication (MFA) is now a must. As much as possible, avoid SMS-based codes. It is best to use approved apps or hardware keys for MFA. These multiple safety methods stop a lot of problems before they occur.  

Stay Alert: Monitoring and Maintenance 

Don’t ignore your account activity. Watch for anything unusual happening in your accounts. Enable alerts on your account, so you hear right away about changes. Always read security emails that the platforms send you. In the same vein, cleaning up old accounts is also imperative. If a service is no longer needed, get rid of it. A lower number of accounts makes it less likely that hackers can attack you.  

Don’t Let Third-Party Apps Become Gateways of Attacks 

Be picky when choosing what apps you want to use. Search for info about a new app before you connect to it. Learn about its reputation, examine who is behind it, and check the permissions it wants. Third-party apps that are not up to date are popular targets for hackers. If you are not using an app anymore, disconnect it. This measure provides extra security for your personal information. 

Education Is the Best Defense 

If you don’t know what threats exist, you won’t protect yourself from them. Stay informed. Fortinet support experts encourage learning how to spot phishing. Additionally, extra caution should be taken versus possible deepfakes and other cybersecurity issues. Share them with your team or have regular updates disseminated for everyone’s attention. Informed users are the first and can be the best line of defense against digital threats.  

Simple But Strong Cyber Habits 

Some habits are also encouraged to be cultivated in order to stay safe online. These would include keeping software updated, backing up data and using encrypted messaging. Even with simple steps, data safety improves a lot.  

Start Protecting Your Company’s Digital Assets Now! 

Hackers always look for smarter ways to get your data. Therefore, it is best to adapt smarter habits to keep your data safe. Need help getting started? Here at EB Solution, our team of knowledgeable and experienced IT management and Fortinet support professionals are ready to help.  

Schedule a consultation today!