If you're a YouTuber or influencer, you must be aware of cyber attackers. They can steal your identity and other personal information. This post will go into several posed threats and how you can avoid them. Knowing is half the battle, and being mindful of hackers will save your online presence.
YouTubers Are Getting Hacked
Many channels are gold mines for hackers, especially if they have an active audience. People have been hacking channels and posting cryptocurrency live streams on them for a while. Of course, hackers can steal a channel for many different reasons.
The biggest reason a person wants to steal a channel is that people trust the words of that YouTuber. If the channel posts about a new cryptocurrency or another product, people will trust it and not look into it further. Hackers may also change a channel’s name and branding if the scam doesn’t seem in line with the YouTuber they’ve hacked.
Someone may hack a channel for other reasons, such as ransom. A hacker may demand money to get the channel back.
Don't Think It Only Happens to the Big YouTubers
If you're a small YouTuber, you may believe you don't have anything to worry about, as hackers only go after the big fish. However, a hacker may be interested if you have an audience listening. Another reason why a smaller channel is prime hacking bait is because it may have less security around it. Also, getting YouTube's attention can be much more complicated if a smaller channel is hacked. If you want to grow, click here if you’re interested in growing your channel through a reliable service. Using safe services will prevent your data from being compromised, and can stop your account from getting hacked now, and in the future.
Ways Channels Get Hacked
Phishing
The primary way that channels get hacked is through phishing.
Many hackers send an email claiming to represent a legitimate business interested in paying for a sponsorship. Since many channels get their money through ads, many will be interested. There will be an email the hacker will claim will let the YouTuber see more of the product or claim that it's a form they can use to show their interest.
Instead of it being a form, however, it’s a malware website designed to grab “session cookies,” which the hacker can use to log in to their profile. This technique is known as “pass the cookies,” and it’s not the kind of cookies you want to share with another person.
Guessing a Password
If a YouTuber has an easy-to-guess password, that’s all the hacker needs. Some hackers may have different ways to brute force the password as well.
A Lack of Two-Factor Authentication
Two-factor authentication, or 2FA, means that a person will receive another way to log in if the device is not recognized. Usually, this comes in the form of a phone notification or answering an email. Some people keep 2FA off because it's a hassle, but if someone knows your login credentials, there's no extra security measure.
Spy Apps
Some YouTubers may be the victim of a spy app on their phone. If a hacker knows their iCloud information or can physically access their phone, they must install a spy app. The app will then send real-time information to them, including their login information.
You may know that there's a spy app on your phone if the battery drains faster than it should or if you're suddenly using more data than usual. However, some spy apps are discreet and require a professional to detect.
Prevent Yourself from Being a Victim
While it's impossible to 100% protect your account from hacking, several measures you can implement will significantly reduce your chances. Here are some ways.
Have a Strong Password (And Change it Often)
It's tempting to make your password easy to remember, but doing so means that a hacker may figure it out if they know anything about you. Be sure to have a strong password, and change it now and then. If you're afraid you will forget it, use a password storage app or put it in your notes.
Never Tell Anyone Your Information
Never tell anyone your login credentials, even your cat! If a service claims they need your password, you know it's a scam.
Be Skeptical About Links and Emails
If an email claims to represent a company, research whether they are legit. Even if they are, a phisher may be posing as them. Look for typos or links that do not match the official company link.
Use a virus scanner to see if the link is safe. If unsure, open the link with an incognito browser to avoid stealing your cookies. If all else fails, reply to the email and ask for more information.
Turn on Two-Factor Authentication
Be sure that 2FA is on. Go to your Google Account, select Security >Signing in to Google > 2-Step Verification > Get Started. Then, follow the steps. Once you've done so, be sure it's working by logging into a device you usually don't use or try incognito mode.
Take Action Immediately
If you’re hacked, then time is vital. Each second that passes means that it’s less likely that you can get your account back.
You can visit Google’s Recovery Page to learn several ways that you can get your account back. This page has several resources that you can look to if you want to learn how you can get your account back or if you want to learn how to prevent it in the future. If your account is hacked, change your password immediately.
Final Thoughts
Hackers are everywhere, and many are stealing YouTube accounts to spread their scams across the platform. Whether your channel is big or small, you can become a victim. To avoid being hacked, never share your password with anyone, and avoid suspicious emails. If you are the victim of a hacking, contact Google immediately.
Online Threat Alerts Security Tips
Pay the safest way
Credit cards are the safest way to pay for online purchases because you can dispute the charges if you never get the goods or services or if the offer was misrepresented. Federal law limits your liability to $50 if someone makes unauthorized charges to your account, and most credit card issuers will remove them completely if you report the problem promptly.
Guard your personal information
In any transaction you conduct, make sure to check with your state or local consumer protection agency and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to see if the seller, charity, company, or organization is credible. Be especially wary if the entity is unfamiliar to you. Always call the number found on a website’s contact information to make sure the number legitimately belongs to the entity you are dealing with.
Be careful of the information you share
Never give out your codes, passwords or personal information, unless you are sure of who you're dealing with
Know who you’re dealing with
Crooks pretending to be from companies you do business with may call or send an email, claiming they need to verify your personal information. Don’t provide your credit card or bank account number unless you are actually paying for something and know who you are sending payment to. Your social security number should not be necessary unless you are applying for credit. Be especially suspicious if someone claiming to be from a company with whom you have an account asks for information that the business already has.
Check your accounts
Regularly check your account transactions and report any suspicious or unauthorised transactions.
Don’t believe promises of easy money
If someone claims that you can earn money with little or no work, get a loan or credit card even if you have bad credit, or make money on an investment with little or no risk, it’s probably a scam. Oftentimes, offers that seem too good to be true, actually are too good to be true.
Do not open email from people you don’t know
If you are unsure whether an email you received is legitimate, try contacting the sender directly via other means. Do not click on any links in an email unless you are sure it is safe.
Think before you click
If an email or text message looks suspicious, don’t open any attachments or click on the links.
Verify urgent requests or unsolicited emails, messages or phone calls before you respond
If you receive a message or a phone call asking for immediate action and don't know the sender, it could be a phishing message.
Be careful with links and new website addresses
Malicious website addresses may appear almost identical to legitimate sites. Scammers often use a slight variation in spelling or logo to lure you. Malicious links can also come from friends whose email has unknowingly been compromised, so be careful.
Secure your personal information
Before providing any personal information, such as your date of birth, Social Security number, account numbers, and passwords, be sure the website is secure.
Stay informed on the latest cyber threats
Keep yourself up to date on current scams by visiting this website daily.
Use Strong Passwords
Strong passwords are critical to online security.
Keep your software up to date and maintain preventative software programs
Keep all of your software applications up to date on your computers and mobile devices. Install software that provides antivirus, firewall, and email filter services.
Update the operating systems on your electronic devices
Make sure your operating systems (OSs) and applications are up to date on all of your electronic devices. Older and unpatched versions of OSs and software are the target of many hacks. Read the CISA security tip on Understanding Patches and Software Updates for more information.
What if You Got Scammed?
Stop Contact With The Scammer
Hang up the phone. Do not reply to emails, messages, or letters that the scammer sends. Do not make any more payments to the scammer. Beware of additional scammers who may contact you claiming they can help you get your lost money back.
Secure Your Finances
- Report potentially compromised bank account, credit or debit card information to your financial institution(s) immediately. They may be able to cancel or reverse fraudulent transactions.
- Notify the three major credit bureaus. They can add a fraud alert to warn potential credit grantors that you may be a victim of identity theft. You may also want to consider placing a free security freeze on your credit report. Doing so prevents lenders and others from accessing your credit report entirely, which will prevent them from extending credit:
- Equifax
- Experian
- TransUnion
Check Your Computer
If your computer was accessed or otherwise affected by a scam, check to make sure that your anti-virus is up-to-date and running and that your system is free of malware and keylogging software. You may also need to seek the help of a computer repair company. Consider utilizing the Better Business Bureau’s website to find a reputable company.
Change Your Account Passwords
Update your bank, credit card, social media, and email account passwords to try to limit further unauthorized access. Make sure to choose strong passwords when changing account passwords.
Report The Scam
Reporting helps protect others. While agencies can’t always track down perpetrators of crimes against scammers, they can utilize the information gathered to record patterns of abuse which may lead to action being taken against a company or industry.
Report your issue to the following agencies based on the nature of the scam:
- Local Law Enforcement: Consumers are encouraged to report scams to their local police department or sheriff’s office, especially if you lost money or property or had your identity compromised.
- Federal Trade Commission: Contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357) or use the Online Complaint Assistant to report various types of fraud, including counterfeit checks, lottery or sweepstakes scams, and more.
- Identitytheft.gov: If someone is using your personal information, like your Social Security, credit card, or bank account number, to open new accounts, make purchases, or get a tax refund, report it at www.identitytheft.gov. This federal government site will also help you create your Identity Theft Report and a personal recovery plan based on your situation. Questions can be directed to 877-ID THEFT.
How To Recognize a Phishing Scam
Scammers use email or text messages to try to steal your passwords, account numbers, or Social Security numbers. If they get that information, they could get access to your email, bank, or other accounts. Or they could sell your information to other scammers. Scammers launch thousands of phishing attacks like these every day — and they’re often successful.
Scammers often update their tactics to keep up with the latest news or trends, but here are some common tactics used in phishing emails or text messages:
Phishing emails and text messages often tell a story to trick you into clicking on a link or opening an attachment. You might get an unexpected email or text message that looks like it’s from a company you know or trust, like a bank or a credit card or utility company. Or maybe it’s from an online payment website or app. The message could be from a scammer, who might
- say they’ve noticed some suspicious activity or log-in attempts — they haven’t
- claim there’s a problem with your account or your payment information — there isn’t
- say you need to confirm some personal or financial information — you don’t
- include an invoice you don’t recognize — it’s fake
- want you to click on a link to make a payment — but the link has malware
- say you’re eligible to register for a government refund — it’s a scam
- offer a coupon for free stuff — it’s not real
About Online Threat Alerts (OTA)
Online Threat Alerts or OTA is an anti-cybercrime community that started in 2012. OTA alerts the public to cyber crimes and other web threats.
By alerting the public, we have prevented a lot of online users from getting scammed or becoming victims of cybercrimes.
With the ever-increasing number of people going online, it important to have a community like OTA that continuously alerts or protects those same people from cyber-criminals, scammers and hackers, who are every day finding new ways of carrying out their malicious activities.
Online users can help by reporting suspicious or malicious messages or websites to OTA. And, if they want to determine if a message or website is a threat or scam, they can use OTA's search engine to search for the website or parts of the message for information.
Help maintain Online Threat Alerts (OTA).