Snapchat is one of the most popular social media platforms. However, with increased security and privacy fears, users are looking for ways to secure their accounts. There are various methods hackers use to get into Snapchat and learn more about you.
So how can someone hack into your Snapchat account? And how can you secure your profile so you're not targeted by cybercriminals?
How Attackers Hack Someone's Snapchat Account
Snapchat is a private messaging app where ephemeral content is shared, so it may seem like an unsuspecting platform for hackers. However, these factors also make it more alluring for spying and blackmailing purposes.
Snapchat has faced privacy concerns since it does not guarantee end-to-end encryption. This means the content you share could be intercepted when sent to the platform's servers through a Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) attack. The app has been hacked by fake accounts that, at the time, did not need to be verified. It resulted in the breach of millions of users whose usernames and numbers were recorded by hackers.
Concern for account protection extends to hackers accessing your account at random or by someone close to you. Let's look at both of those possibilities.
Downloading Spyware Apps
Hackers use monitoring tools to spy on someone's Snapchat account. This is the most widely used method of spying on social media.
Anyone can sign up to use monitoring tools, downloaded and installed on the person's smartphone. The app remains incognito on the target's device and records their activity in real-time, which can be accessed by the hacker remotely at any given date.
This allows the hacker to view that person's activity—and archive it—on Snapchat.
Parents often use monitoring apps and can cover all social media activities. These allow messages, photos, and videos to be read, archived, and screenshot. The apps generally include location tracking.
Through Third-Party Data Leaks
Since monitoring apps can record and store the data it tracks from Snapchat, content that is later deleted by the user may have been copied. On the platform itself, all deleted content and accounts are trashed permanently.
Once a spy app is installed, the hacker may decrypt the password and then log into your account directly. Snapchat secures accounts by verifying them by email. If the hacker has your username and access to your Inbox, they can simply access your account by selecting Forgot Password.
Using Hacking Websites
Some websites claim to have developed tools to tap into a user's Snapchat accounts. However, these sites are often disingenuous.
This easy-to-use method is an attractive option for hackers who do not have access to devices or passwords to get into a Snapchat account. These online services require the username, with tools that do the rest of the work.
The use of these websites can pose an added security risk. Many fake websites are created to trap people, resulting in the wannabe-hacker being hacked themselves.
Working With a Hacker
Any account is only as safe as your login credentials.
A hacker might either target your Snapchat specifically to learn more about you and potentially blackmail you, or they might be hired to access an account.
One such method employed involves phishing. This can be difficult to do, which makes it rarer on Snapchat itself but can be employed by cybercriminals to access various different accounts. (It's particularly worrying if you use the same password for numerous sites, which is why we advise against doing so.)
To do this, attackers will create a fake page or app that mimics the Snapchat login or Reset Password page. The victim would then need to log into their account on that page. The username and password are recorded and shared with the hacker.
How to Protect Your Snapchat Account
Based on the methods used by hackers, here are a few simple tips to secure your account:
- Keep the passcode for your smartphone private. Similarly do so for accounts linked to numerous devices like your Apple ID and password if you are an iPhone user.
- Do not leave your phone unattended, even if you do have a passcode in case it's guessable. This way, you prevent someone from downloading monitoring apps on the device, or accessing Snapchat itself.
- Verify the phone number and email address related to your Snapchat account to keep it secure.
- Choose a strong password for your Snapchat. It should be a mix of characters that do not include personal information; one that differs from your other accounts, for maximum security; and should be kept private.
- Check your privacy settings. This allows you to control who views your Stories, sends you snaps, and sees your location. This can prevent people from finding out your username.
- You should only add actual friends to your contact list. Don't link up with strangers. Yes, it might seem fun and frivolous, but it's really not worth risking your security and privacy. But of course, many nonetheless get to know someone and quickly connect on Snapchat. If you ever receive any content that you don't like, however, it's important to remember that you can still block them.
- To protect yourself from others trying to login into your account, enable two-factor authentication. This feature ensures the person logging in is indeed you, as you'll need to verify it twice.
Stop Hackers From Accessing Your Snapchat
In most cases and territories, hacking into a social media account is illegal. There are various methods used by hackers to access Snapchat, but making sure your accounts are secure is easy to do, so don't be scared off using the service.
