No matter how many times people are reminded to make sure that their passwords are strong and distinct, they still disregard this and create passwords that are weak and can easily be hacked.
But, circumventing the defenses to enter your account is something that we should also be wary about, since tough and strong passwords do not need to be broken to gain access to your vital information and files.
Wired reporter Mat Honan experienced this, as an Apple tech support was able to allow a hacker to have access to the former’s iCloud account.
Honan’s Gmail account, Twitter account and Gizmodo’s Twitter account were all breached. Honan gave a timeline to the hack. He said that the hacker wiped his iPhone at about 5 PM, wiped his iPad at [5:01] and wiped his MacBook air at [5:05] all done remotely.
Honan said in his blog, “I know how it was done now. Confirmed with both the hacker and Apple. It wasn’t password related. They got in via Apple tech support and some clever social engineering that let them bypass security questions.”
His Gmail and Twitter accounts are now back online but unfortunately, he is still working on retrieving his files from his Apple devices.
Are your passwords strong enough? Can passwords really protect us from hackers then?
Image Source:about.me
