7 Unexpected Hacking Methods You Might Be Overlooking

In 2024, cybercriminals are no longer relying on sloppy phishing emails or basic password cracks. They’re using sophisticated, unexpected hacking methods to infiltrate even the most seemingly secure systems. If your cybersecurity strategy still revolves around avoiding spam links and reusing complex passwords, it’s time for a serious upgrade.

At AffinityMSP, we’ve seen how today’s cyber threats evolve quickly—and how easy it is to fall behind without proactive, layered protection. This blog explores seven lesser-known techniques hackers use to gain access to your accounts—and how you can protect yourself from them.

Why Traditional Security Isn’t Enough Anymore

Most people are familiar with brute force attacks or standard phishing scams. And while those threats still exist, today’s cybercriminals often bypass them altogether in favour of more creative exploits. These attacks don’t always rely on technical skill—they target the gaps in convenience, trust, and day-to-day digital behaviour.

Understanding how these modern attacks work is your first defence against them.

7 Unexpected Hacking Methods You Should Know About

1. Cookie Hijacking

Cookies store login sessions and user preferences. Convenient for you—but also for hackers. By stealing session cookies through malicious links or unsecured networks, attackers can impersonate your active session and access accounts without ever needing your password.

Stay safe: Clear cookies regularly, avoid staying logged in on shared devices, and always use secure, encrypted connections.

2. SIM Hijacking (Including Port-Out Fraud)

Cybercriminals can socially engineer your mobile provider into transferring your number to a SIM card they control. Once they do, they can intercept calls, texts, and most critically—your multi-factor authentication (MFA) codes.

Stay safe: Ask your provider to add extra security to your account (like a PIN) and consider moving away from SMS-based MFA.

3. Deepfake-Based Impersonation

With AI-generated audio and video, attackers can convincingly mimic a CEO, colleague, or family member. These impersonations are already being used in business email compromise (BEC) scams and social engineering attacks.

Stay safe: Verify unusual requests with a secondary communication method (e.g. phone call or secure internal platform) before taking action.

4. Malicious Browser Extensions

Browser extensions can be a hidden backdoor. Some, even those on official marketplaces, contain scripts that monitor your browsing activity, capture credentials, or manipulate what you see.

Stay safe: Audit your browser extensions regularly and only install from trusted developers. Remove anything unused or unfamiliar.

5. OAuth Exploitation via "Login with Google/Facebook"

Single sign-on tools are convenient but risky. If attackers compromise a third-party app linked to your main account, they could gain access without needing your actual credentials.

Stay safe: Limit the use of third-party logins. Review authorised apps in your Google or Microsoft account regularly and revoke those you no longer use.

6. AI-Powered Phishing

Phishing has grown up. AI now enables hackers to write flawless emails tailored to specific targets using scraped online data. These emails mimic tone, branding, and urgency far better than old-school phishing.

Stay safe: Be cautious with unexpected emails—even if they look perfect. Double-check sender domains and when in doubt, verify offline.

7. Session Fixation Attacks

In session fixation, an attacker sets a user’s session ID in advance. If successful, they can hijack that session after the victim logs in—without even seeing the credentials.

Stay safe: Use modern browsers and applications that prevent session fixation. Avoid logging in from untrusted devices or links.

How to Protect Yourself from These Unexpected Threats

Understanding the risks is half the battle. Now let’s talk about what you can do today to harden your defences.

Use Stronger, Smarter Authentication

Enable MFA wherever possible—but go beyond SMS. Use app-based authenticators or hardware security keys for stronger protection.

Monitor Your Digital Footprint

Check your account logins and authorisations regularly. Services like Google, Microsoft, and many password managers can notify you about unusual activity.

Avoid Public Wi-Fi—Or Use a VPN

Free public Wi-Fi is a common vector for cookie hijacking and session spying. If you must use it, activate a trusted VPN first.

Clean Up Third-Party Access

Visit your Google or Microsoft account settings to review third-party app access. Remove any you don’t recognise or no longer use.

Separate Work and Personal Devices

Keep work-related logins and apps isolated from personal devices. It limits your exposure if one device gets compromised.

Update and Patch Everything

Cybercriminals frequently exploit known software vulnerabilities. Make regular updates part of your routine—especially for your browser, operating system, and security tools.

Back Up Using the 3-2-1 Rule

Keep 3 copies of your data: 2 local (on different devices) and 1 offsite. This helps you recover quickly from ransomware or hardware failure.

Want Expert Help Locking Down Your Accounts?

Staying safe online isn’t about fear—it’s about preparation. By understanding and defending against these unexpected hacking methods, you reduce the risk of serious breaches.

AffinityMSP can help you evaluate your digital security posture and build a more resilient strategy for your business. Explore our Cybersecurity Services to learn how we support Australian businesses with practical, proactive solutions.