Email accounts are prime targets for hackers, as they often contain sensitive information, business communications, and financial details. Cyber-criminals aim to gain access to email accounts to steal credentials, initiate fraudulent transactions, or manipulate financial dealings and divert funds through spoofing and other deceptive tactics. Below are some of the common methods hackers used to steal email passwords, understanding which can help you implement proactive security measures.
- Phishing Attacks
- Phishing is one of the most common hacking techniques, where attackers send emails pretending to be from banks, credit card companies, or ISPs, requesting “verification” of personal information. These emails may also falsely claim that your mailbox is full or urge you to click a link to increase storage or download export documents. Victims who provide their details risk account theft, financial loss, or identity fraud.
- Always verify the sender and URL before clicking any link.
- Malware Attacks & Keystrokes
- A Malware Attack occurs when malicious software is installed on your system, allowing attackers to record keystrokes and steal email passwords. Malware can enter a computer while browsing the internet or opening an email. It is often hidden in attachments such as export documents, quotation requests, inquiries, or purchase orders, tricking users into downloading it.
- We strongly advise you to install latest malware scanners on your machine and keep automatic updates enabled in order to protect yourself from email hacking.
- Weak Passwords
- Using simple, common, or easily guessable passwords makes your account vulnerable.
- Use strong passwords with a mix of letters, numbers, and special characters, and make sure to change them once a month.
- Brute Force Attacks
- Attackers use automated brute-force software to guess passwords by trying multiple combinations.
- Use complex password (mix of lowercase and uppercase letters, numbers, and special characters) that cannot be guessed easily
- Data Breaches
- If a service where you use your email is hacked, your credentials may be leaked online.
- Regularly check your email on breach notification sites like “Have I Been Pwned (https://haveibeenpwned.com/).”
- Public Wi-Fi Attacks
- Hackers on public networks and free-WiFi can intercept network traffic and capture your login credentials.
- Use a paid SSL certificate for better email password encryption and a VPN to secure your connection, preventing hackers from spying on your sensitive information.
- Saved Passwords in Browsers
- If your device is compromised, saved passwords in browsers can be extracted.
- Use password managers instead of storing credentials in browsers.
- Social Engineering
- Attackers may impersonate tech support or a trusted contact to trick you into revealing your password.
- Never share your password with anyone.
- Session Hijacking
- If you log in from an unsecured connection or public Wi-Fi, attackers can intercept your session cookies and gain access to your email without needing a password.
- To protect yourself, always log out from public or shared computers, and use a paid SSL certificate along with a VPN to encrypt your connection and prevent unauthorized access.
- Using the Same Password on Multiple Sites
- If one site gets hacked, attackers may try the same password on your email account.
- Always use unique passwords for different accounts.
Prevention Tips:
- Change your passwords regularly atleast once a month.
- Use unique passwords for different account
- Manage 2Factor authentication on cpanel (add-on service)
- Avoid clicking suspicious links or attachments
- Use custom email signatures with a security disclaimer to prevent payment fraud. [Click here for examples]
- Keep your devices and software updated preferably install “Malware Byte”.
- Monitor login activity in your email settings for forwarders, filters, sent and trash folders.
- Contact our support team atleast once a month to arrange webmail login logs for any unauthorized access
- Store emails on computer only instead of backing them up on the server to reduce security risks
- Avoid sharing passwords via email or messaging apps.
- Install paid strong SSL and VPN to encrypt your connection
- Add your email address to receive alerts when someone logs into your webmail by going to Webmail > Contact Information. This allows you to detect unauthorized access immediately and take necessary security measures.
