We all love the perks of modern technology—shopping in our PJs, managing businesses from laptops, connecting with friends instantly. But like most good things, there’s a flip side. As we’ve gotten more connected, hackers have gotten more creative.
We usually hear about things like weak passwords or phishing emails, and while those are still major risks, they’re just the tip of the cyber iceberg. Hackers are finding all kinds of clever ways to sneak into personal and business accounts—many of which most people have never even heard of.
So, let’s break down seven lesser-known ways hackers can gain access to your stuff—and what you can do to stay a few steps ahead.
What Are the Most Common Hacking Tricks?
Hackers have come a long way from just guessing passwords or sending shady links. Sure, brute force attacks and password guessing still happen, but now we’re seeing way more sophisticated tactics.
Here are a few popular ones:
- Social engineering – where hackers trick you into giving away personal info by pretending to be someone trustworthy.
- Credential stuffing – using usernames and passwords leaked in past breaches to try logging into other accounts.
- AI-powered attacks – using artificial intelligence to craft incredibly convincing fake emails or bypass security systems.
These common methods are the foundation for some even sneakier approaches. Let’s get into the surprising stuff.
7 Unexpected Ways Hackers Can Get In
1. Cookie Hijacking
You know those little “cookies” that keep you logged into websites? They’re super convenient—and unfortunately, valuable to hackers. If a hacker intercepts those cookies (usually through a bad link or an unsecured Wi-Fi connection), they can hijack your session and act like they’re you, without ever needing your password.
2. SIM Swapping
Many services send two-factor authentication (2FA) codes via text. If a hacker tricks your phone provider into moving your number to a SIM card they control, they can intercept those codes and reset your passwords. It’s scary and more common than you think.
3. Deepfakes
Deepfake tech has advanced to the point where hackers can create fake audio or video of someone—like your boss or a coworker—asking you for sensitive info. These attacks often work because they seem so real, especially in high-stress or fast-paced work environments.
4. Third-Party App Exploits
Connecting your accounts to apps like scheduling tools or file converters? Be careful—some of these apps don’t have strong security. If a hacker breaks into one of them, they might get into your connected accounts too.
5. Port-Out Fraud
Similar to SIM swapping, but instead of convincing your provider to transfer your number, hackers transfer your number to a different carrier entirely. Same end result: they get access to any texted verification codes or recovery links.
6. Keylogging Malware
This one’s an oldie but still dangerous. A keylogger is malware that secretly records everything you type—including passwords, credit card numbers, and personal messages. Once it’s installed, it sends all your keystrokes back to the hacker.
7. AI-Powered Phishing
We used to laugh at phishing emails full of typos and weird grammar. But now, thanks to AI, phishing emails can look very legit—right down to company logos and familiar tone. They’re targeted, smart, and convincing even to tech-savvy folks.
How to Stay Ahead of These Sneaky Tactics
Now that you know the tricks, here’s how you can protect yourself and your business:
✅ Use Stronger Authentication
Go beyond just passwords. Using multi-factor authentication (MFA) in addition to a strong password is a great first step. Consider going even farther and going beyond SMS-based MFA by using app-based authenticators or hardware security keys for even more protection.
✅ Keep an Eye on Account Activity
Most accounts let you set up alerts for suspicious logins. Turn those on. Regularly check your login history, too. If something looks off, don’t ignore it.
✅ Skip the Public Wi-Fi (Or Use a VPN)
That free coffee shop Wi-Fi? It might be a trap. Hackers love setting up fake networks or snooping on open ones. If you have to connect, use a VPN to encrypt your traffic.
✅ Be Selective With Third-Party Apps
Only connect apps from companies you trust. Review what permissions they’re asking for—if it seems like too much access, say no. Also, clean house once in a while and remove apps you’re not using anymore.
✅ Get Savvy About Phishing
Hover over links before clicking, double-check sender emails, and when in doubt—don’t click. If something seems fishy, contact the person through a different method to confirm it’s really them.
Extra Cybersecurity Steps Worth Taking
Protecting your accounts is great, but let’s go a little further to really lock things down:
🔄 Keep Your Software Updated
Old software is full of holes hackers love to exploit. Always update your apps, browsers, and operating systems. This is especially important right now—Windows 10 support is ending soon, so if you're still on it, it’s time to start planning your move to Windows 11. Staying on an unsupported OS is like leaving the front door unlocked with a neon “Come on in” sign.
💾 Back Up Your Data (The Right Way)
Follow the 3-2-1 rule: 3 copies of your data, on 2 types of storage, with 1 stored offsite. That way, if ransomware strikes or your system crashes, you’ve got options.
🔒 Use Encrypted Messaging Tools
Need to send something sensitive? Use secure messaging apps that offer end-to-end encryption so no one can eavesdrop on your conversation.
📚 Stay Educated
Whether you’re a business owner or just trying to keep your family safe online, ongoing education is huge. Cyber threats change constantly, and knowing what to watch out for makes all the difference.
Wrap-Up: Don’t Let Hackers Catch You Off Guard
Cybersecurity doesn’t have to be overwhelming—but it does need to be taken seriously. Hackers are constantly coming up with new tricks, so the best thing you can do is stay informed, stay cautious, and stay up to date.
If you’re not sure where to start or want a second opinion on how your systems are set up, that’s what we’re here for. Whether you’re a solo entrepreneur or managing an entire team, Layer 2 can help you lock things down and make sure your tech is working for you, not against you.
