There are many different techniques hackers use to steal online account passwords. Here are some common methods: 1. **Phishing**: Hackers disguise themselves as legitimate organizations or individuals to trick target users into clicking malicious links or providing sensitive information. For example, sending emails that appear to be from a bank and ask users to enter their account and password. 2. **Malware**: Including keyloggers and spyware, which are installed on user devices to record user keystrokes, take screenshots, or monitor network activity to steal passwords. 3. **Brute Force Attack**: Hackers use automated tools to try a large number of password combinations until they successfully guess the password for the target account. This method is particularly effective against simple or commonly used passwords. 4. **Credential Stuffing**: Using a large number of username and password combinations obtained from data breaches to automatically try to log in on other websites. This relies on users using the same password on multiple platforms. 5. **Social Engineering**: Manipulating and deceiving users to actively disclose sensitive information. For example, impersonating a technical support person to ask the user for a password. 6. Man-in-the-Middle (MITM): Intercepting communications between the user and the target server to steal password information in transit. Common on unsecured public Wi-Fi networks. 7. Password Spraying: Hackers try to use common passwords (such as "123456", "password", etc.) to log in to a large number of accounts instead of brute-forcing a single account to avoid detection. 8. Cross-Site Scripting (XSS): Injecting malicious scripts into legitimate websites. When users visit the website, the scripts steal the user's login information. 9. SQL Injection: By injecting malicious SQL code into input fields, hackers can access sensitive information such as user passwords in the database. 10. Information Leakage: Using public social media, company websites or other public resources to collect users' personal information and password clues for further attacks. **Preventive measures**: - Use strong passwords and change them regularly. - Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA). - Be careful with unfamiliar emails and links and avoid clicking on suspicious content. - Keep your operating system and software updated to prevent known vulnerabilities from being exploited. - Use reliable security software to prevent malware infection. Understanding these common attack methods will help users improve their security awareness and take appropriate protective measures to protect their online accounts.