Online security experts reveal top password stealing strategies
Uninformed computer users are a hacker's best friend. Luckily, PC Pro recently gave consumers and business professionals a leg up in the fight against online security threats by listing the 10 most popular password cracking techniques favored by cybercriminals.
Some of the most elementary strategies employed by hackers include dictionary attacks and brute force attacks, according to the news outlet. With these methods, cybercriminals either go through a list of terms commonly used in user passwords or leverage complex software algorithms capable of attempting thousands of possible combinations every minute. In either case, a free password manager tool can provide sufficient defense by helping users create and store airtight passwords.
Other attacks are much more difficult to guard against. According to PC Pro, social engineering attacks allow hackers assume their target's identity and trick customer service representatives into handing over an allegedly misplaced password. Spidering is another emerging strategy that involves in-depth analysis of a target company before making more educated password guesses.
These tactics underscore the importance of conducting business with trusted partners. But as no company can be completely immune to online security threats, consumers may be wise to take matters into their own hands with password manager software.
