How Do Hackers Get Passwords? Inside Identity-Based Attacks & How to Stop Them
Hackers aren’t breaking down doors anymore. They’re walking through the front gate, armed with stolen credentials that look legitimate.
For small businesses, that’s now the biggest cybersecurity risk.
For small businesses, that’s now the biggest cybersecurity risk.Identity based attacks are now the most common way cybercriminals gain access to systems. There’s no need for them to crack codes or brute force their way in when someone on the inside unknowingly hands over the keys.
In fact, one cybersecurity company reported that 67% of serious security issues in 2024 came from stolen logins. Even major companies like MGM and Caesars fell victim to this tactic recently, proving that no business is too big or too small to be targeted.
How Do Hackers Get Passwords?
Most of these attacks start with something simple, like a stolen password. But the techniques are getting smarter:
Here’s how:
- Phishing Emails: Tricky emails that mimic real ones and direct employees to fake login pages or trick them into sending passwords.These are the #1 method hackers use to get into business systems.
- SIM Swapping: Taking control of a mobile number to intercept two-factor authentication (2FA) codes and reset passwords.
- MFA Fatigue Attacks: Hackers flood your phone with push notifications until someone finally hits “approve” without thinking.
- Third-Party Access: Hackers targets vendors, personal devices, or outside support teams that have weaker defenses.
They’re even targeting things like employee personal devices or outside vendors (like your help desk or call center) to find a way in.
Your Small Business Cybersecurity Checklist
- Here’s the good news: You don’t need to be a tech wizard to protect your company. Just a few smart steps can go a long way: Employee Cybersecurity Training
- Teach your team cybersecurity best practices and what to watch out for. From phishing links to suspicious MFA prompts, your team should know that it’s OK to pause and verify before clicking, opening, or approving anything.
- Use Strong Passwords and Change them. Encourage your employees to watch our (TechBldrs) simple method to create a secure password and also change password at least once per year.
- Think Before Accepting A Multifactor Authentication (MFA) Notification
Multifactor Authentication (MFA) is a great security tool but only if employees pay attention to those prompts. Training your people to pay attention to this “double-check” step when logging in. App-based or security key-based MFA is much safer than text messages. This stops MFA fatigue attacks before they succeed. - Limit Access By Role
Only give employees access to what they need, not to everything. If a hacker gets in, they won’t get far if the account they’re using has limited permissions. - Clean Up Old Accounts Former employees? Expired vendor logins? Remove them. Every forgotten account is a possible entry point.
Phishing Attack Prevention Starts With Awareness
Most small businesses don’t fall victim to complex cyber warfare—they get caught by one wrong click. Phishing attack prevention isn’t just about spam filters. It’s about teaching your team how to spot the signs:
- Mismatched URLs
- Urgent requests for logins
- Fake sender addresses
The more your team knows, the safer your data stays.
The Bottom Line: Identity-Based Attacks Are Growing Fast
Hackers have mastered the art of deception, turning logins into their weapon of choice. From MFA fatigue attacks to fake login pages, today’s hackers are skipping the technical work and using identity-based attacks to blend in.Every business, regardless of size or industry, carries valuable data that criminals want. Bid documents, contracts, blueprints, customer information, etc.
The good news is that the right precautions can lock those doors without making daily operations harder. Smart, proactive steps keep systems secure, and teams focused on the work that matters, not fighting fires.
Want to know if your business is vulnerable? Let’s talk. Book a discovery call.