Hackers are creative people — they can hack into any computer, steal data, and cause damage in many ways. In addition to getting creative with theft methods, hackers are using new technology to identify victims and take their personal information or money.
The most common types of identity theft are credit card and debit card scams, where the unsuspecting victim uses their card to make a purchase — only to find out later that their account information has been stolen.
However, hackers have become more sophisticated, and look for ways to obtain sensitive information remotely, such as through wireless connections or Bluetooth technology devices. The following are new ways that hackers can steal your identity.
1. Targeting Your Tax Refund
Hackers can electronically file your tax return using your name and social security number so that it is not detected until after the deadline to file. This can cause a delay in receiving your refund, but it also enables the hacker to steal your refund before you do. In some instances, the IRS may manually process the return because the electronic one does not look right — and then send you a check. In this situation, the hacker gets your refund and personal information.
2. Computer Viruses and Malware
Hackers can steal your identity by using a computer virus or malware to search for files containing your personal information. A hacker may write a program that instructs the computer to scan all the files in your hard drive and look for ones that contain your name, social security number, driver’s license number, or bank account number. This way, hackers can steal your personal information without opening any files or programs on your computer. A spam blocker can be used to help block seemingly innocent yet malicious messages which are often used to gain initial access to your computer or phone.
3. Stealing Frequent Flyer Miles
Hackers have the skills and technology to hack into your frequent flyer account and transfer miles from your account to theirs. They can also use their hacking skills to change the information about where your miles are registered. This way, the miles are transferred from your account to theirs, and you have no idea that it happened until after. Many airlines have programs that allow you to earn frequent flyer miles by using their service.
However, hackers can steal your miles by simply plugging the information into a website unauthorized by the airline or the program. Hacking into this system and obtaining your login credentials allows hackers to place fake orders and collect your miles without paying for their services. This can give the hacker a good idea of what you are doing at any given time. Hackers typically ask for your password to access your computer and then turn it on so they can see the webcams.
4. Targeting Your Company’s Chat System
Wi-Fi networks are a top source for identity theft, especially if a hacker can monitor the traffic between your computer and the access point. This technology makes your Wi-Fi network look like it is part of another network you are accessing. Wireless devices, such as Wi-Fi signals, emit radiation across a broad range of frequencies.
These devices can identify people or electronic devices such as RFID and Bluetooth tags. Hackers can attack these devices to monitor other hacked Wi-Fi networks and collect data from them without being detected by the victim’s device. They then use another device, such as a notebook computer or smartphone, to steal personal information from the hacked networks.
5. Coffee Shop Hackers
This mainly occurs when you receive a dodgy phishing email and click a link in the email. This is how some hackers gain access to your system. A malicious JavaScript file is then used to make and install a keylogger program, which records your keystrokes, without you ever being made aware that it’s happening.
Conclusion
Hackers have become more innovative in how they steal from others online. The Internet has made life easier for everyone, but hackers can take advantage of the convenient nature of accessing the Internet. Hackers can learn about your personal life by snooping into your computer’s hard drive or through an attack on your Wi-Fi system. The best way to protect yourself is to install anti-virus software, change passwords regularly, and avoid suspicious emails and sites.
