The Dumbest Ways to Get Hacked (That You’re Probably Doing)

Okay, real talk—online security is a huge deal. I mean, I didn’t always think so. But then one day, I saw someone get hacked, and it was an absolute disaster. Imagine waking up, trying to log into Facebook, and boom—account gone. Most people would just be like, “Eh, I’ll make a new one.”

But if you run a business online, losing your account is like watching your entire operation go up in flames. That Facebook account? It’s connected to business pages, community groups, ad accounts, tracking pixels, and all sorts of important things. If it gets hacked, you’re basically screwed.

And here’s the wild part—I see this happening all the time! Not because people are dumb, but because no one ever taught them how to actually protect themselves online.

Parents Teach Self-Defense, But Not Online Security

Think about it—when we were kids, our parents drilled basic self-defense into us. “Don’t talk to strangers,” “Look both ways before crossing the street,” “Scream if someone tries to kidnap you.” All that good stuff.

But did they ever sit us down and say, “Hey, here’s how to make a strong password” or “Never click on sketchy links”? Nope. And that’s why so many people fall for scams or get their accounts stolen.

The crazy thing is, online threats are just as real as physical ones. Getting hacked can mean losing money, personal info, or even your entire business. But most of us are just out here winging it, hoping we don’t get hit.

How You’re Making It Easy for Hackers

Most people don’t get hacked because hackers are geniuses—they get hacked because they make it way too easy. If you’re doing any of these, you’re basically inviting trouble:

• Using Weak or Reused Passwords – "123456" isn’t a password; it’s an invitation. And if you use the same password everywhere, one leak can take down everything.

• Ignoring Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) – It’s one extra step that stops hackers in their tracks, yet so many people skip it.

• Falling for Phishing Scams – That “urgent” email from your bank? Probably fake. Click the wrong link, and you just handed over your data.

• Neglecting Updates – Old software = open doors for hackers. Updates patch security flaws, so stop hitting “Remind Me Later.”

• Oversharing Online – The more personal details you post, the easier it is for hackers to guess your passwords or impersonate you.

Simple Fixes to Keep Your Accounts Safe

The good news? You don’t need to be a tech expert to lock things down. Here’s what you can do right now:

• Get a Password Manager – Strong, unique passwords for every account—without having to remember them all.

• Turn on 2FA – It’s annoying, but not as annoying as losing access to your accounts.

• Stay Skeptical of Emails & Links – If something feels off, don’t click. When in doubt, check directly with the source.

• Keep Everything Updated – Your phone, apps, and computer need the latest security patches. Don’t delay updates.

• Limit What You Share Online – The less personal info floating around, the harder it is for hackers to target you.

• Back Up Important Data – If the worst happens, you’ll have a copy of what matters most.

Online Security Is a Life Skill

The internet isn’t going anywhere. And neither are hackers. So learning how to protect yourself online is just as important as learning how to drive or manage your money.

You don’t want to wait until you actually get hacked to start caring about security. By then, it’s too late. Take a few minutes now to lock down your accounts—you’ll thank yourself later.