This article will teach you how to discover passwords that prevent access to certain accounts. The process is useful, for example, if you need to access information about your young child or an employee.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Installing a keylogger
Step 1. Find a keylogger program
To do this, type the term into a search engine and see the results. A keylogger is an application that runs in the background of the computer's operating system, recording every keystroke - so you'll receive a list of different usernames and passwords if the person visits the appropriate websites.
Step 2. Choose a reliable keylogger
If you don't know where to start, download Best Free Keylogger and Revealer Keylogger Free, both free (and in English).
- Before downloading the programs, try to find out if the site is legitimate.
- If you are willing to invest (in US dollars), you can buy a reliable keylogger.
Step 3. Download the chosen keylogger
If possible, do this on the computer that contains the password. If you choose a paid version of the program, please enter your payment information.
- If possible, use PayPal to make the transaction.
- If you don't download the keylogger directly on the computer in question, you will have to transfer the file to the machine with a pen drive.
Step 4. Install the keylogger
To do this, double-click the program's configuration file and follow the instructions on the screen. In this case, it is very important to read the usage details and necessary documentation in the installation window. That way, you'll avoid problems like allowing your content to be posted to the network by accident (or something like that).
Step 5. Activate the keylogger
Once the program is running, you will likely have the option to "hide it". If possible, put it in the background.
Step 6. View keylogger results
Depending on how often you use this computer, you may have to wait up to a week.
- Depending on which keylogger you choose, you may not even need to dig that far through the data - some of them list the names of the websites you visit.
- If you download a simple keylogger that only records touches, you'll have to dig through the data until you find login information that you recognize (such as a username or phone number).
Method 2 of 4: Using Effective Tactics to Try to Guess the Password
Step 1. Do a search for passwords saved on the person's computer
If you have access to the machine itself, it may have a file in which it lists the passwords you use most.
- Windows computers have a search bar that sifts through documents, while Mac machines have the Finder. Use keywords such as "password", "account" and "username" (or "user").
- Also search through the hidden files.
Step 2. Write down what you know about the password creator
Write everything from the birthday to the person's pet name. With this data, you will be able to find possible answers to security questions, as well as code possibilities.
For example, the password could be the name of the person's favorite pet, followed by a number
Step 3. Use all relevant information
If you can't figure out the password with these guesses and you can't find any files on the computer, think about everything you know about the person to guess. For example:
- Personal information (such as the name of the person's favorite pet): can help you guess the answer to security questions, which can even override the password in case of error.
- social media details: if you have the person on the networks (or know someone who does), the things they like can also indicate the answers to the questions.
Step 4. Talk to people who can know the password
This alternative is even more valid for parents who need to access their children's accounts or for bosses who are investigating their employees. In these cases, you have the authority to speak to someone who can know the password.
Method 3 of 4: Accessing a Password Manager
Step 1. Confirm that the password creator uses a manager
Type "password manager" into your computer's search bar (or Finder). These programs store and enforce common passwords on appropriate services such as Facebook or Google. The most popular options are:
- Keychain;
- Google Smart Lock;
- Information saved in browser.
Step 2. Open the password manager
In most cases, the program itself is password protected. If you know what it is, you will be able to access and apply the codes saved on the appropriate websites.
If you don't know the password, you'll have to resort to the auto-fill function on the website or program you want to access
Step 3. Try entering the account username
If the account you want to access has a saved password associated with the browser or program in question, it may be that the password will be entered automatically after entering the user.
- Chrome and Firefox do this when the user turns on cookies and the auto-fill function.
- If you are using a Mac and you know the Keychain password, you can use the program to access the saved codes: navigate to Keychain Access (which is in the Utilities folder), open the "Passwords" tab on the left side of the screen, and choose the code you are looking for. After entering this password, you will be able to see all the characters that make it up.
Method 4 of 4: Using Password Reset Links
Step 1. Find and click on the forgotten password link
It is usually under (or next to) the "Password" field.
Step 2. View password recovery options
Most accounts allow the user to reset the code in one or more ways:
- Receiving a link via SMS;
- Receiving a link by email;
- Answering security questions.
Step 3. Make sure you have all the information you need to reset your password
This is where it's good to know as much as possible about the creator of the password. If you can't, you'll need physical access to the person's phone or email address.
If you're using an iOS device that's synced to your computer, you might be able to access the reset link in your Mac messages. This strategy is risky, as it also sends an alert to the password creator if someone tries to change your password
Step 4. Follow the onscreen instructions
If you have everything you need to receive the reset link (or answer security questions), you will be able to change the code and thus gain account access.