How Do We Get Hacked?
1. Data Breach
When you’re registered on a website, all your data is saved within the owner’s database, which contains data about all other users. Data breach is an incident, where in information is stolen from a database or a system without the owner’s consent, usually for malicious purposes.
If you want to know if any of your email addresses were breached, you can check it out on :
If it tells you that your email was indeed breached, change your password immediately.
2. Malware
Malware is a software program, generally created and designed to damage other users/devices and to gain unauthorized access to someone’s device or system.
You can invite malware on your device without even realizing it: if you’ve recently downloaded a pirated file or a strange program, some of them contain hidden malwares.
Malware steals your personal information, passwords and emails included; moreover, it can bypass most antiviruses and scans.
If you want to check if your device is infected by malware, download Malwarebytes program for free and run a scan. If the result shows more than 0 detected malwares, then it’s recommended to do a factory reset of your device.
3. Keylogging
Keylogging is a type of malware that records your keystrokes (records the order in which you press keys), usually used to discover your passwords.
The good news is that most antivirus/malware detector programs are able to detect keylogging programs, so remember to perform a scan every now and then.
4. Cookie Logging
Cookies we are talking about, in this case, are not sweet pastries for you to eat. Cookies are small pieces of information that are sent automatically to the website you visit. The purpose of cookies is rather simple: those are temporary files saved by websites to make your next visit load faster.
Cookie logging is when a malicious program or file collects your saved cookies and uses them against you - such as ad preferences, login details, payment details and so on.
Remember to clear your browsing history and cookie history often to prevent this.
5. Phishing
You can be a phishing victim even by your own fault: if you enter your account information into a fake “official” website, you’re making things way easier for the possible hacker.
Remember to always check if the URL address of a website you’re on is legit.
6. Brute Force
A brute force attack is a hacking method that uses many manual or programmed attempts to crack passwords and other personal information. You’re more likely to get hacked this way if your passwords are easy to guess.
Remember to have strong passwords and avoid using one password for everything.
7. Falling for Scams
I’m pretty sure you saw a tempting offer that screamed GENSHIN IMPACT GIVEAWAY or FREE PRIMOGEMS at least once before. Remember to always double check the giveaway initiator or the website.
If you’ll ever win a giveaway, remember to not give your account information willingly - always ask for a PayPal transfer or Coda Shop purchase, at least.
Remember that HoYoverse won’t help you if you admit to :
- Falling for scams
- Account sharing
- Account trading
- Account buying
There is a really low chance that someone wants to give you something for free without having malicious intentions towards you, especially when it comes to giving things in games.
Always think twice before you fall for a giveaway.
8. Unknown USB Flash drives
Inserting an untrusted USB (external drive) to your device might bring harmful things for you. Sometimes USB drivers contain various viruses or malicious programs that want to get your personal data.
Remember to be mindful about potential risks that might come with using untrusted USB drivers with your device.
9. Outdated apps/system/programs
Updates are there for a reason: especially when someone discovers a way to harm the users security and safety.
Make sure that your devices, apps and programs are up to date. Keep an eye for notifications from your device's system.
10. Digital Footprint
Anything that you share online can be used to your advantage. Remember to never share your personal information. Especially to people who don’t cover their Case Numbers on pending forms.
Always think twice before you share something personal anywhere. Cover or erase private things if you must send something to someone.
Make sure to read another related content
1. What You Should Do If Your Account Got Hacked
2. A Guide to Secure Your Genshin Impact/HoYoverse Account
- Part 1 | How To Secure Your Account
- Part 2 | How Do We Get Hacked?
- Part 3 | How Can I Secure My Account Better?
Reference
From r/GenshinHacked, "A Guide To Secure Your Account" by u/genshin-hacked
