:format(avif))
:format(avif))
Contents:
Imagine logging in to one of your favorite websites only to see a notification: "Your password has been compromised." Chills set in as you wonder how this could happen—how, out of billions of people, were you the target?
But here’s the thing: most hackers aren’t targeting individuals specifically. Instead, they cast wide nets, hoping anyone will stumble in. They exploit weaknesses, hunt for patterns, and use clever tricks to slip past the security layers.
This is to say, cyber threats are real but surprisingly simple in the way they work. They’re like invisible thieves, silently testing doors and windows, hoping one will swing open. And what are those "doors and windows"? They’re your passwords, bank logins, social media accounts—anything digital that has to do with you. And with just a few savvy moves, hackers can pry them open and gain access to a lot more.
How hackers gain access to your passwords
When it comes to stealing passwords, hackers have a big arsenal of tricks on how to get to them. From using clever impersonations to high-tech software that cracks passwords in seconds, they know how to turn even a small slip-up into a major breach. Here's a look at some of the ways they do it and tips on how to protect yourself.
Data breaches
When companies experience data breaches, it usually means that hackers slipped in and stole massive lists of passwords—sometimes millions at a time. Even if those passwords are encrypted, hackers often have the tools to unscramble them, making these stolen credentials available on the dark web for others to exploit.
Tip: Use a different password for each account, and turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) for a little extra peace of mind. Check your accounts every so often, especially if there’s news of a breach.
Phishing
Think of phishing as the digital version of a con artist. A hacker might send you an email that looks exactly like one from your bank, asking you to "confirm your password" or "verify your account." You click the link, enter your details—and just like that, you’ve handed over the keys to your account. Phishing is all about tricking you into revealing what hackers want.
Tip: If an email looks a bit “off,” trust your gut—don’t click on anything or share your info. Double-check the sender’s details, and if you’re unsure, go straight to the source to confirm.
Credential stuffing
Hackers know many people use the same password for multiple accounts (guilty, anyone?). With credential stuffing, they take stolen passwords from one site and try them on others. This means that, for example, if they got your password from a breach at a social media platform, they’ll test it on your email or even your bank account. Reusing passwords turns your digital life into a domino effect, where one fallen piece might put others at risk.
Tip: Make your every password unique and complex, preferably 16 characters long and composed of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Also, bear in mind that a robust password manager can help keep things tidy if you’ve got a lot of accounts.
Social engineering
Social engineering attacks involve hackers playing the long game—maybe chatting you up on social media, impersonating someone from tech support, or sending a convincing text message. The goal here is to gather enough bits and pieces of info about you to try to, for example, guess your password. If you based your password on your wedding date or the name of your favorite rock band, this might actually work.
Tip: Don’t overshare online or when talking to strangers on the phone. If someone asks for your personal info out of the blue, be cautious—it’s okay to be a little skeptical.
Brute-force attacks
A brute-force attack is like trying to open a lock by testing every key on the ring. Hackers use software that rapidly tries different combinations until it hits the right one. The more basic your password, the easier it is for brute-force tools to crack it. If your password is “password123,” it’s basically handing the hacker a spare key.
Tip: Avoid the easy stuff like “password123.” Go for something longer and more random. Also, if your account has a “lock after multiple tries” option, turn it on.
Password spraying
Imagine a hacker trying to break into a building where every door has a similar lock. Instead of focusing on one account, they use a common password (like “password” or “123456”) across many different accounts, hoping it will work for at least one. Password spraying takes advantage of the fact that a surprising number of people use the same weak passwords.
Tip: Once again, avoid weak or commonly used passwords, and instead choose longer, less predictable combinations. Regularly update your passwords and enable 2FA where possible.
Man-in-the-Middle Attacks
In a Man-in-the-Middle attack, a hacker places themselves between you and the website you’re logging in to—often on an unsecured Wi-Fi network. They can see and capture everything, from passwords to credit card details, without you even realizing it.
Tip: If you’re using public Wi-Fi, save the sensitive stuff (like banking) for later, or use a VPN tool to keep things private. Also, always look for “HTTPS” to make sure you’re on a secure site.
Insecure password sharing
Most of us would never leave our house keys under the doormat, yet we’re often careless with our digital keys. Sharing your password in a text message, storing it in an unsecured file, or reusing it on multiple accounts creates easy entry points for hackers. This careless sharing can make your most important passwords as accessible as if you’d posted them on a billboard.
Tip: Keep your passwords close—don’t just leave them lying around (or share them in texts). A password manager is great for securely sharing if you really need to.
How to tell your passwords have been stolen
Hackers don’t usually announce themselves—they prefer to keep a low profile. But there are telltale signs that something’s amiss:
Data breach notifications
Ever get an email that reads something like, “We regret to inform you…”? If a company you engage with has experienced a breach, they’ll often notify users whose information may have been affected. Take this as a serious cue—it means your credentials might be floating around online.
Locked out despite correct password
If you try logging in to your account with the correct password and still get denied, it could mean someone has changed it. Hackers often change passwords to lock out the original owner, gaining full control of the account.
Unusual login alerts
Many apps send you notifications if someone tries to log in from a strange location or device. If you start seeing such alerts, this could mean that someone might be attempting (or has already managed) to access your account.
Unwanted password resets or security alerts
If you receive password reset emails or security alerts you didn’t request, be vigilant as hackers may be trying to reset your password. They often use this tactic to test whether they have the right email and set up access on a device they control.
How can you protect your passwords?
To defend against these silent intrusions, you don’t need to be a tech wizard. Basic protections can go a long way in keeping your digital life safe. Here are a few essential steps to secure yourself against cyber threats:
Monitor data breaches
Think of this as checking the weather forecast for your online life. By staying on top of data breach news, you’ll know when your accounts might be at risk and be ready to change your password before hackers make their move. NordPass’ Data Breach Scanner is a powerful tool that checks if your email has been compromised in a breach. Even if just your email address got leaked, it’s crucial to remember that your passwords may also be at risk. Regular checks help you act fast to protect your accounts and sensitive information.
Don’t reuse passwords
Reusing passwords might seem convenient, but it’s like having the same key for your house, car, and office. One break-in and everything’s at risk. Using unique passwords for each account makes it a lot harder for hackers to gain access.
Store your passwords securely
You jotting your passwords down on sticky notes or saving them in plain text files is a hacker’s dream. So, make sure to use a password manager like NordPass to keep them safe. NordPass securely stores your passwords using end-to-end encryption—this means your data stays private, locked away where only you can access it.
Share passwords securely
When sharing a password, avoid quick texts or emails. Use secure sharing methods—a password manager like NordPass can help here—so your password isn’t sitting out there waiting to be swiped.
Use strong passwords
Skip the easy stuff like “123456” or “password.” Strong passwords are unique and tough to guess. Think of your password as a mini puzzle—the harder it is, the better it locks down your account.
Try the Password Health Exposed Passwords feature by NordPass
NordPass’ Password Health not only identifies passwords that could be high-risk—it also has an Exposed Passwords feature. Here's the deal: it scans the dark web to detect if any passwords linked to your saved accounts have been exposed in data breaches involving other users. Even if your own accounts weren’t directly compromised, this feature identifies passwords that could put you at risk. If a match is found, you’ll be notified which accounts in your vault are affected, making it simple to update those passwords and enhance your security.