New Hacker Tactics for Draining Your Bank Account

There’s no one foolproof way to ensure your bank account won’t be hacked at one point or another. One in four people has experienced some form of identity theft. While it cannot be avoided altogether, there are ways that you can protect yourself from hackers and frauds. Thieves are continuously coming up with new ways to scam and steal. One of the best ways to protect yourself is to learn their tricks. As technology evolves, so do hacker tactics. Hackers are now so bold that they target victims online, via apps and social media. Here are a few new hack trends that you should be aware of:

Hacking is Happening Via Apps

Yes, even the apps on your phone are at risk. New apps are coming to the market every day. However, some of them cannot be trusted. Do not install apps unless you know that they are from trusted sources, as some of these apps share your personal information and even your location without you knowing it. Many trusted apps available today offer privacy settings for their users, which allow you to determine how much information you want to share. Experts from Digital Guardian advise always choosing the least amount of data-sharing. So, when downloading new apps or updating your existing apps, be sure to go to the security section and keep your sharing settings up-to-date.

Out-of-Date Internet Browsers

Whether you use Google Chrome, Safari or Internet Explorer to surf the Web at home, your data might be at risk of being stolen and used against you. If hackers access your browser, they have instant access to all sorts of sensitive information, from credit card information to your home address. Keep in mind that, as technology progresses, so does the security of Web browsers; and using an out-of-date browser is similar to leaving your doors unlocked and your windows open while you’re not home. However, you must be wary of pop-ups or claims of “free software updates.” Sometimes these tactics can be used to access your information. Make sure you update straight from the source. Even when taking these precautions, recognize that anyone, no matter how careful they are, can become a victim of identity theft. Have a contingency plan, adding an extra layer of security with protection, monitoring and recovery service like LifeLock.

Scammers are Skimming Social Media for Sensitive Data

Social media isn’t just for sharing life updates and cute cat photos with your friends. Hackers and scammers are taking to social networks, like Facebook, to collect data from potential victims. Since social media became popular, being careful about what you post has been advised. For example, don’t post that you are taking a vacation because thieves may use that information to break into your home while you’re out of town. But now, experts say that cybercriminals are using the information that you post online to guess answers to your bank security questions and even bank passwords. This type of sensitive information can be used against you, including birthdays, names of your pets, your mother’s maiden name or the type of car you drive. While it may seem impossible to monitor and check every single thing you put online, keeping your data secure should be at the top of your mind. Be sure to sign up for notifications from your bank to alert you of any fraudulent activities.

By Lauren Topor