How do hackers gain access to social media accounts?
by
albertmjony
·
about 1 year, 9 months ago
In reply to How do hackers gain access to social media accounts?
Hackers can gain access to social media accounts through various methods, including:
Phishing Attacks: Phishing is a common technique used by hackers to trick users into revealing their login credentials. They create fake login pages or send deceptive emails/messages that appear to be from legitimate sources, such as social media platforms. When users unknowingly enter their credentials on these fraudulent pages, the hackers capture the information and gain unauthorized access to their social media accounts.
Brute Force Attacks: In a brute force attack, hackers use automated tools to systematically guess usernames and passwords until they find the correct combination. Weak or easily guessable passwords make this method more successful. Hackers can also leverage password databases obtained from previous data breaches, attempting to reuse credentials across multiple platforms.
Credential Stuffing: This method relies on individuals reusing the same username and password combinations across different platforms. Hackers acquire login credentials from previous data breaches and attempt to use those credentials on various social media platforms. If a user has reused their credentials, the hacker can gain access to their social media accounts.
Social Engineering: Social engineering involves manipulating individuals to gain unauthorized access to their accounts. Hackers may impersonate a trustworthy entity, trick users into revealing their credentials, or extract sensitive information through psychological manipulation. This could occur through phone calls, emails, or direct messaging, where the hacker gains the user’s trust and obtains their login information.
Malware and Keyloggers: Hackers can infect devices with malware or keyloggers, which covertly record keystrokes and capture login credentials when users enter them. Malware can be distributed through malicious downloads, email attachments or compromised websites. Once the malware is installed on a device, it can intercept login information and provide hackers with access to social media accounts.
Insider Threats: In some cases, individuals with authorized access to social media accounts may abuse their privileges or share account information with unauthorized individuals. This can occur due to personal motivations, negligence, or coercion, allowing hackers to gain access to social media accounts from within the organization or social circle.
