7 Unexpected Ways Hackers Access Accounts (And How to Stop Them)
- DH Solutions
- Sep 15
- 4 min read
Modern hackers are more sophisticated than ever. They are no longer just guessing passwords or sending generic phishing emails. Today’s cybercriminals use advanced techniques like session hijacking, SIM swapping, and even deepfake impersonation to access business accounts without detection.
For small and mid-sized businesses across Southeast Michigan - from Livonia and Westland to Ann Arbor and Novi - these evolving threats are especially dangerous. This article explains seven unexpected ways hackers access accounts and how your organization can stay protected and compliant with industry regulations like HIPAA, GLBA, and PCI-DSS.
7 Surprising Ways Hackers Can Break Into Your Accounts
1. Cookie Theft Through Session Hijacking
Hackers can capture session cookies (i.e., small data files that authenticate your logged-in status) and use them to take over accounts without ever needing your password. This is especially dangerous when using unsecured public Wi-Fi or compromised devices.
Cookie Theft Protection Tips
Require HTTPS across all business apps
Avoid public Wi-Fi without using a VPN
Set short expiration times for user sessions
Key Insight: Enforcing secure sessions and reducing idle time significantly lowers the risk of session hijacking.
2. SIM Swapping and Port-Out Fraud
Cybercriminals trick mobile providers into transferring your phone number to a SIM they control. Once successful, they can intercept 2FA codes, password reset links, and even voicemail confirmations, effectively gaining access to your accounts.
SIM Swapping and Port-Out Protection tips:
Use authenticator apps instead of SMS-based 2FA
Add a port freeze with your wireless provider
Require in-person or multi-step verification for phone account changes
Critical Point: App-based authentication provides stronger security than SMS and can prevent SIM-based intrusions.
3. Deepfake Impersonations
AI-generated video and voice deepfakes can now mimic real people with uncanny accuracy. Attackers may impersonate company executives or clients to convince employees to share credentials or transfer funds.
Deepfake Protection tips:
Create a verification policy for high-risk requests
Require callbacks or secondary confirmations
Train employees to spot unusual or off-tone communications
Example: A receptionist at a Livonia medical office receives a video call from someone who appears to be the office director. The fake director asks for VPN credentials. The receptionist complies, unknowingly exposing the network.
Action Step: Build a clear escalation and verification process for any sensitive or unusual request.
4. Exploiting Connected Third-Party Apps
Third-party integrations with tools like Microsoft 365, Slack, or Google Workspace often introduce new vulnerabilities. If one of these apps is compromised, it can serve as an entry point to your core systems.
Third-Party App Protection tips:
Audit third-party app permissions quarterly
Revoke access from unused or outdated integrations
Limit permissions using least-privilege principles
Example: A small insurance agency in Canton connects a quoting app to its CRM. The app is later abandoned by its developer and exploited by hackers to extract customer data.
Best Practice: Keep third-party integrations lean, reviewed, and secured to prevent downstream breaches.
5. Keylogging and Remote Access Malware
Keyloggers silently record everything typed, including usernames, passwords, and financial data, and send it to attackers. These tools often hide in legitimate-looking software or fake browser extensions.
Keylogging and Remote Access Protection tips:
Use managed endpoint protection with behavioral analytics
Keep all software patched and updated
Prevent employees from installing unauthorized apps
Key Insight: Antivirus alone is not enough. Real-time monitoring and app control are critical for stopping keyloggers.
6. AI-Powered Phishing Emails
Attackers now use AI to write phishing emails that match your brand’s tone, style, and vocabulary. These emails are more persuasive, harder to detect, and more likely to succeed.
AI-Powered Phishing Protection tips:
Run regular phishing simulations for staff
Use email filters that detect AI-generated threats
Require offline confirmation for any login or financial request
Example: An accountant at a Novi financial advisory firm receives an email from what looks like a payroll provider. It includes a link to “update tax settings.” Clicking it downloads malware.
Action Step: Train your team to pause, verify, and never trust links in unexpected emails.
7. Password Managers Under Attack
Password managers have become prime targets. Recent vulnerabilities have enabled attackers to steal auto-filled credentials using browser-based attacks like clickjacking.
Password Manager Attack Protection tips:
Turn off browser autofill
Always paste credentials manually
Keep your password manager app up to date
Critical Point: Password managers are valuable but they must be used with caution and updated regularly to remain secure.
Hackers Access Accounts - Smart Defense Checklist
✅ | Enable app-based MFA for all employees |
✅ | Review third-party app permissions quarterly |
✅ | Use endpoint protection with behavioral monitoring |
✅ | Disable autofill in password managers and browsers |
✅ | Run phishing simulations every 60–90 days |
✅ | Establish an internal process for verifying unusual requests |
✅ | Back up all critical data using the 3-2-1 strategy |
✅ | Test your incident response plan annually |
✅ | Conduct cybersecurity training tailored to each department |
What’s at Risk in Southeast Michigan?
Small businesses in Ann Arbor, Redford, Dearborn, and surrounding areas often handle protected health data, financial records, and insurance client files - all of which are high-value targets for cybercriminals. A single account breach could trigger:
HIPAA or GLBA violations
Insurance audit failures
Financial fraud
Permanent data loss
Client trust erosion
These are not theoretical threats. They are happening to real businesses right here in Metro Detroit.
FAQs: Business Account Protection
What are some unexpected ways hackers access business accounts?
Hackers now use tactics like cookie theft, SIM swapping, deepfakes, and compromised third-party apps to infiltrate accounts without detection.
How can Michigan businesses prevent SIM swap attacks?
Use app-based 2FA, add a port freeze to your wireless account, and verify changes through secure channels.
Are password managers safe for small businesses?
Yes, but only if kept updated and autofill is disabled. They must be part of a larger security strategy.
How can we secure third-party app integrations?
Review access quarterly, use least-privilege permissions, and disconnect unused tools immediately.
Final Thoughts: Stay Ahead of the Threat
Modern attacks are designed to bypass traditional defenses and many succeed. For businesses in compliance-driven industries, especially those handling medical records, financial data, or client-sensitive information, the cost of a breach can be devastating.
DH Solutions helps local businesses build strong, layered defenses to prevent cyberattacks before they happen. Explore our cybersecurity services or schedule your free security audit today.
Take the next step now:
Republished with Permission from The Technology Press
