In heist or action movies, we often see characters cracking into high-tech computers to steal someone’s identity. But in real life, things aren’t that dramatic. Today, you don’t need elite hacking skills or cutting-edge tools to steal someone’s digital identity.
With cheap malware or a simple phishing message, cybercriminals can break into personal data—from social media accounts and emails to online banking.
According to VIDA’s whitepaper, digital fraud is evolving rapidly, now involving deepfakes, AI-driven attacks, and synthetic identities. This article breaks down seven real-world methods hackers use to access personal data, and more importantly, how to prevent them before the damage becomes irreversible.
The Weak Points Behind Personal Data Breaches
This article isn’t meant to teach hacking techniques—but to help you understand how these attacks work so you can protect your personal data, which may already be scattered online.
Here are the most common methods hackers use:
1. Breaking Into Passwords
One of the oldest—and still most common—ways hackers attack personal data is by cracking passwords. And it works because many people reuse the same password across multiple accounts.
Two major methods are used:
-
Dictionary attack: Guessing popular passwords or personal information (name, birthdate, pet names).
-
Brute force attack: Using software to try millions of password combinations within seconds.
How to prevent it:
Use strong, long, unique passwords for every account. Always enable two-factor authentication for an extra layer of protection.
2. Infecting Devices with Malware
Malware remains an effective and affordable tool for personal data theft. Victims often download apps from unofficial websites, open attachments from fake emails, or click suspicious links.
Once malware is active, everything you do on your device can be recorded—and your personal data stolen.
How to prevent it:
Avoid downloading files or apps from untrusted sites. Keep your OS and apps updated. Never click random links.
3. Manipulating Victims Through Social Engineering
Social engineering is a psychological attack—not a technical one. Hackers impersonate trusted institutions like banks, fintech companies, or government agencies, then request personal information through calls, SMS, or email.
As manipulation tactics become more sophisticated, awareness of proper digital identity verification remains dangerously low.
How to prevent it:
Be cautious of messages claiming to be from official parties—especially those asking for OTP codes or sensitive data.
4. Exploiting Unsecured Public WiFi
Public WiFi is a playground for hackers. Common methods include:
-
Man-in-the-middle (MitM) attacks: Hackers intercept your connection to steal information.
-
Fake WiFi networks: Hackers create networks with names like “CoffeeShop_Free” to trick users.
-
DNS spoofing: Redirecting users to fake websites to steal login data.
The safest approach:
Use personal connections, enable a VPN, and choose platforms that use identity-based authentication—not just usernames and passwords.
5. Breaking Systems Through SQL Injection
SQL injection targets the database behind a website or application. Hackers insert malicious scripts into input fields to access, modify, or delete user data—or even take over administrator control.
This doesn’t impact just one person—it can compromise thousands of users at once.
This highlights an important truth: personal data security also depends on the systems and platforms we use.
6. Using Keyloggers to Steal Passwords
A keylogger is malware that records everything typed on a keyboard. Once installed, every keystroke—passwords, messages, emails—is sent directly to the attacker.
Keyloggers often hide inside pirated apps or phishing links.
How to prevent it:
Avoid downloading cracked software. Only enter personal data on secure (HTTPS) websites.
7. Insider Threats
Sometimes data breaches happen because someone inside the organization—intentionally or not—gives hackers access to internal systems.
This has happened even to giants like Microsoft and Yahoo. Hackers used former employee accounts or third-party vendor access to steal sensitive data.
How to prevent it:
Always log out from shared devices. Enable login notifications to catch suspicious activity early.
What Companies Can Do to Prevent Personal Data Breaches
Cyberattacks targeting employee or user data can affect any company—and the impact goes far beyond financial loss. It can damage reputation and destroy public trust.
Here are five strategic steps companies should take:
1. Strengthen Onboarding With Strict Identity Verification
Many breaches start with fake or synthetic identities gaining access. Without strong verification from the beginning, fraudulent accounts slip through.
2. Implement Multi-Factor and Passwordless Authentication
Passwords and OTPs alone are no longer sufficient. They can be stolen through phishing, SIM swap, or keyloggers. Even banks in Singapore and Malaysia have started phasing out OTP because the method is outdated.
Passwordless logins—using biometrics and device authentication—ensure only the rightful user can log in from a verified device.
3. Detect and Monitor Fraud Early
Hackers often test the waters with small activities before launching major attacks. Without real-time monitoring, early warning signs go unnoticed.
Cybersecurity expert Mikko Hyppönen said at the VIDA Executive Summit:
“Traditional security assumes keeping hackers out. But they may already be inside. That’s why continuous detection and monitoring are essential.”
4. Limit Internal Access and Educate Employees
Threats don’t always come from the outside. Role-based access control and ongoing employee training are critical to preventing accidental or intentional data leaks.
VIDA’s Solutions for Protecting Personal Data
With so many entry points for attackers, companies must understand that security doesn’t begin in the system—it begins with who is accessing the system.
VIDA, as a certified digital identity provider (PSrE), offers biometric-based verification and authentication solutions that stop attacks before they start.
Key VIDA solutions include:
-
VIDA Identity Verification: Ensures each new user is a real individual—not a fake or synthetic identity.
-
VIDA FaceToken: Passwordless login using facial recognition and liveness detection—impervious to photos or deepfakes.
-
VIDA PhoneToken: Binds the account to the user’s verified device, preventing login even if OTP or passwords are stolen.
-
VIDA Deepfake Shield: Protects systems from AI-driven face or voice manipulation attacks.
Understanding how personal data is breached isn’t about imitation—it’s about prevention.
Both individuals and companies must move beyond passive protection and shift toward identity-based security. Make sure you don’t leave even the smallest gap for hackers to exploit.
.png)
