---
title: "The Latest In Phishing Scams: Hackers Can Now Bypass Two-Factor Authentication | Phish Protection"
description: "The Latest In Phishing Scams: Hackers Can Now Bypass Two-Factor Authentication: Not a day goes by without phishing scams occurring somewhere in the world ."
image: "https://phishprotection.com/og/blog/the-latest-phishing-scams-hackers-can-bypass-two-factor-authentication.png"
canonical: "https://phishprotection.com/blog/the-latest-phishing-scams-hackers-can-bypass-two-factor-authentication/"
---

Quick Answer

While there are scores of measures you can adopt for cybersecurity, there are some that we can consider the primary essentials. Firstly, it is always advisable to keep usernames and passwords a secret. Secondly, \_internet security demands the use of \*\*strong passwords\*\* that are challenging to hack\_. An example of a robust password is one that contains a combination of alphabets in the capital and small cases, numbers, and special characters.

Share 

[ ](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fphishprotection.com%2Fblog%2Fthe-latest-phishing-scams-hackers-can-bypass-two-factor-authentication%2F "Share on LinkedIn") [ ](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=The%20Latest%20In%20Phishing%20Scams%3A%20Hackers%20Can%20Now%20Bypass%20Two-Factor%20Authentication&url=https%3A%2F%2Fphishprotection.com%2Fblog%2Fthe-latest-phishing-scams-hackers-can-bypass-two-factor-authentication%2F "Share on X/Twitter") [ ](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fphishprotection.com%2Fblog%2Fthe-latest-phishing-scams-hackers-can-bypass-two-factor-authentication%2F "Share on Facebook") [ ](https://reddit.com/submit?url=https%3A%2F%2Fphishprotection.com%2Fblog%2Fthe-latest-phishing-scams-hackers-can-bypass-two-factor-authentication%2F&title=The%20Latest%20In%20Phishing%20Scams%3A%20Hackers%20Can%20Now%20Bypass%20Two-Factor%20Authentication "Share on Reddit") [ ](mailto:?subject=The%20Latest%20In%20Phishing%20Scams%3A%20Hackers%20Can%20Now%20Bypass%20Two-Factor%20Authentication&body=Check out this article: https%3A%2F%2Fphishprotection.com%2Fblog%2Fthe-latest-phishing-scams-hackers-can-bypass-two-factor-authentication%2F "Share via Email") 

![Phish Protection blog post image](https://media.mailhop.org/phishprotection/images/2021/04/what-is-phishing-6724.jpg) 

_Not a day goes by without phishing scams occurring somewhere in the world_. The internet brings with it many conveniences but can also be dangerous at times, especially if the users do not observe due diligence.

While there are scores of measures you can adopt for cybersecurity, there are some that we can consider the primary essentials. Firstly, it is always advisable to keep usernames and passwords a secret. Secondly, _internet security demands the use of **strong passwords** that are challenging to hack_. An example of a robust password is one that contains a combination of alphabets in the capital and small cases, numbers, and special characters.

However, cybercriminals and their **phishing scams** have become smarter today, and they can decipher reasonably strong passwords. _The two-factor authentication (2FA) is an excellent step towards securing your valuable data_, but hackers have now become smart enough to crack even this additional layer of security.

### Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Before going into the details of how hackers bypass 2FA, let’s take a brief look for an understanding of [how 2FA works](https://www.csoonline.com/article/3239144/2fa-explained-how-to-enable-it-and-how-it-works.html). _The 2FA is a concept that necessitates every transaction to clear two layers of authentication_. The first layer is the password that users enter when logging into a system. The second layer of security is the One-Time-Password (OTP) that the system sends to the user’s mobile number registered with the organization. The transaction is complete and access granted when the user clears both these levels of authentication.

_Another method of 2FA is the use of third-party software such as Google Authenticator or Authy to deliver the code_. This method requires the user’s mobile phone to have internet access at the time of the transaction. The web application’s login function communicates with the cloud interface to generate, as well as synchronize, the timings of the operation.

### 2FA, Can It Be Hacked?

Theoretically, _2FA should be hack-proof because the final authentication is in the form of an OTP sent to a device that the users have in their hands at the time of the transaction_. The incorporation of 2FA for access to the user’s accounts ensures that hackers have a challenging time to break into it. However, cybercriminals have proven once again to be smart adversaries with the ability to [bypass the 2FA system](/blog/attack-on-2-factor-authentication-highlights-phishing-protection-needs/) with a new kind of phishing scam. Let’s take a look at a couple of examples showing how cybercriminals have managed to crack 2FA and access accounts of users worldwide.

![What is phishing](https://media.mailhop.org/phishprotection/images/2021/04/what-is-phishing-6724.jpg) 

### Examples Of 2FA Hacking

_Cyber thieves have proven that it is possible to hack any interconnected system in the world_ irrespective of having security measures like 2FA in place. Here are some examples of **2FA hacking**, physical and automated. 

- 2FA entails the use of an OTP sent to the registered phone number of the user. _There are instances of hackers gaining access to the user’s phone_ (by force or otherwise), following which it becomes easy for these criminals to clear the **additional layer of security**.
- It is also possible to hack into the system without possessing the phone to which the system sends the OTP. Hackers are smart talkers, whereby they coerce unsuspecting victims to part with their private credentials such as passwords and OTP.
- In spite of having a security feature like 2FA, cybercriminals have managed to hack into accounts. _They do this by compromising the user’s account by replacing the latter’s registered phone number with theirs_. It results in the OTP being sent to the hacker’s phone number instead of the user’s, thereby making it easy for criminals to access the system.
- Recently, security experts have unearthed an automated **phishing scam** that enables hackers to bypass 2FA. They have demonstrated the [modus operandi](https://va.news-republic.com/a/6698827549633413637) at the ‘Hack in the Box Security Conference’ in Amsterdam. It was also posted on YouTube on June 2, 2019, _to educate people on how hackers crack multiple layers of security, including 2FA_.

The hack involves two tools, Muraena and NecroBrowser, working in tandem to enable hackers to gain access into the system. _Muraena acts as a proxy between the user and the target website by intercepting web traffic between the two_. It looks out for users who visit and enter their login credentials in a phony site. It authenticates the session’s cookies and passes the information to NecroBrowser, which then keeps track of the private accounts maintained by the potential victims. 

### Commonly Used Methods To Bypass 2FA

Cybercriminals use [four conventional methods](https://shahmeeramir.com/4-methods-to-bypass-two-factor-authentication-2b0075d9eb5f) to bypass 2FA.

- **Password Resetting Functions**: Usually, web applications allow login by the user after completing the password reset procedure. It does not implement the 2FA system under such circumstances, thereby _making it possible for the hacker to access and maintain a session immediately after the reset_.
- **Oauth Mechanism**: Renowned web applications like Google, Facebook, Amazon, and Twitter allow users to share information about their accounts, but without giving passwords, to third-party apps or websites. It does not involve the use of 2FA. If the hacker gains access to the username and password, it becomes easy for him/her to access the system on behalf of the user.
- **Brute Force**: At times, web developers ignore to put rate limitation on the 2FA input fields. _It makes it easy for criminals to use brute force and guess the 2FA code using modern computers_.
- **Race Conditions**: _Race conditions involve using a previously used or unused token value recursively_. It requires the cyber attacker to know or have access to already generated values. Intercepting a previous code or reversing the code generation app’s algorithm allows the hacker to gain access to the previously created values.

### Protection From Bypassing 2FA Authentication

Users can take advantage of [additional precautions to safeguard your data](https://www.le-vpn.com/hackers-bypassed-googles-2-step-authentication/) from 2FA hacks.

- _Google has introduced a new push-authentication system to generate a prompt on the user’s mobile phone_. It proves handy when users access Google using a different system to the one they usually use. Google sends a notification presenting a set of three random numbers, out of which the user has to tap the right one to authenticate the access.
- Another safeguard is to use a VPN that allows users to browse anonymously online while creating an **encrypted internet connection** irrespective of the device or the location. This encryption procedure uses the highly secure AES-256 algorithm to make it impossible for anyone to access your private data.
- Technology has made people smarter in the sense that they use it to perform various activities daily. _Cyber attackers are intelligent people who use phishing scams to glean information from users_. 2FA has a reputation for being one of the safest procedures to access the internet. However, hackers have managed to break into the 2FA authentication procedure and gain access to valuable private information.
![Protection from phishing](https://media.mailhop.org/phishprotection/images/2021/04/protection-from-phishing-8216.jpg) 

_We don’t mean, by this article, to discourage you from using the 2FA method_. But you should know that it is not a foolproof [protection against phishing](/) scams. To thwart the attempts on your account, make use of the precautionary countermeasures like the ones mentioned above.

## Topics

[ Phishing ](/tags/phishing/) 

![Brad Slavin](https://media.mailhop.org/phishprotection/images/authors/brad-slavin.jpg) 

[ Brad Slavin ](/authors/brad-slavin/) 

General Manager

Founder and General Manager of DuoCircle. Product strategy and commercial lead across DuoCircle's 2,000+ customer base.

[LinkedIn Profile →](https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradslavin) 

## Protect your inbox from phishing attacks

Real-time email security with 60-day free trial. No credit card required.

[Start Free Trial](https://portal.duocircle.com/cart.php?a=add&pid=101&brand=phishprotection) [View Pricing](/pricing/) 

## Related Articles

[  Foundational 5m  0ktapus, Okta Breach Helps Attackers Launch Sophisticated Supply Chain Attacks  Sep 5, 2022 ](/blog/0ktapus-okta-breach-helps-attackers-launch-sophisticated-supply-chain-attacks/)[  Foundational 4m  13 Spear Phishing Attacks Examples To Justify Investment For Phishing Prevention Solutions In Your Organization  Aug 1, 2019 ](/blog/13-spear-phishing-attacks-examples-to-justify-investment-for-phishing-prevention-solutions-in-your-organization/)[  Foundational 4m  All 14 centers of Kettering Health were affected by a massive ransomware attack, Major outage in the Ohio medical center  May 23, 2025 ](/blog/14-centers-of-kettering-health-were-affected-by-massive-ransomware-attack-in-ohio-medical-center/)[  Foundational 4m  2021 Phishing Trends You Need To Be Wary Of  Aug 2, 2021 ](/blog/2021-phishing-trends-to-be-wary-of/)

```json
{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"Organization","name":"Phish Protection","url":"https://phishprotection.com","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://phishprotection.com/images/phishprotection-logo.png"},"description":"Advanced phishing protection and email security for businesses. Real-time threat defense, time-of-click protection, and seamless Office 365 integration.","parentOrganization":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q138883901","name":"DuoCircle LLC","url":"https://www.duocircle.com","sameAs":["https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q138883901","https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/duocircle-llc","https://www.linkedin.com/company/duocircle","https://github.com/duocircle"],"subOrganization":[{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q138898167","name":"DMARC Report","url":"https://dmarcreport.com"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q138897474","name":"AutoSPF","url":"https://autospf.com"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q138897912","name":"Phish Protection","url":"https://www.phishprotection.com"}]},"sameAs":["https://www.linkedin.com/company/duocircle","https://x.com/duocirclellc","https://www.facebook.com/duocirclellc","https://github.com/duocircle"],"contactPoint":{"@type":"ContactPoint","contactType":"customer support","url":"https://phishprotection.com/contact/"},"knowsAbout":["Phishing Protection","Email Security","Anti-Phishing","Business Email Compromise","Ransomware Protection","Time of Click Protection","Office 365 Email Security","Advanced Threat Defense"]}
```

```json
{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"WebSite","name":"Phish Protection","url":"https://phishprotection.com","description":"Advanced phishing protection and email security for businesses. Real-time threat defense, time-of-click protection, and seamless Office 365 integration.","publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Phish Protection","url":"https://phishprotection.com","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://phishprotection.com/images/phishprotection-logo.png"},"description":"Advanced phishing protection and email security for businesses. Real-time threat defense, time-of-click protection, and seamless Office 365 integration.","parentOrganization":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q138883901","name":"DuoCircle LLC","url":"https://www.duocircle.com","sameAs":["https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q138883901","https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/duocircle-llc","https://www.linkedin.com/company/duocircle","https://github.com/duocircle"],"subOrganization":[{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q138898167","name":"DMARC Report","url":"https://dmarcreport.com"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q138897474","name":"AutoSPF","url":"https://autospf.com"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q138897912","name":"Phish Protection","url":"https://www.phishprotection.com"}]}}}
```

```json
{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"BlogPosting","headline":"The Latest In Phishing Scams: Hackers Can Now Bypass Two-Factor Authentication","description":"The Latest In Phishing Scams: Hackers Can Now Bypass Two-Factor Authentication: Not a day goes by without phishing scams occurring somewhere in the world .","url":"https://phishprotection.com/blog/the-latest-phishing-scams-hackers-can-bypass-two-factor-authentication/","datePublished":"2021-04-24T11:59:13.000Z","dateModified":"2026-04-17T15:43:10.000Z","dateCreated":"2021-04-24T11:59:13.000Z","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https://phishprotection.com/authors/brad-slavin/#person","name":"Brad Slavin","url":"https://phishprotection.com/authors/brad-slavin/","jobTitle":"General Manager","description":"Brad Slavin is the founder and General Manager of DuoCircle, the company behind DMARC Report, AutoSPF, Phish Protection, and Mailhop. He founded DuoCircle in 2014 and has led the company's growth to 2,000+ customers across its email security product family. Brad's focus is product strategy, customer relationships, and the commercial and compliance side of email authentication (DPAs, SLAs, enterprise procurement).","image":"https://media.mailhop.org/phishprotection/images/authors/brad-slavin.jpg","knowsAbout":["Email Security Strategy","SaaS Product Management","Enterprise Compliance","Customer Success","Email Deliverability Business"],"worksFor":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Phish Protection","url":"https://phishprotection.com"},"sameAs":["https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradslavin"]},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Phish Protection","url":"https://phishprotection.com","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://phishprotection.com/images/phishprotection-logo.png"},"description":"Advanced phishing protection and email security for businesses. Real-time threat defense, time-of-click protection, and seamless Office 365 integration.","parentOrganization":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q138883901","name":"DuoCircle LLC","url":"https://www.duocircle.com","sameAs":["https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q138883901","https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/duocircle-llc","https://www.linkedin.com/company/duocircle","https://github.com/duocircle"],"subOrganization":[{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q138898167","name":"DMARC Report","url":"https://dmarcreport.com"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q138897474","name":"AutoSPF","url":"https://autospf.com"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q138897912","name":"Phish Protection","url":"https://www.phishprotection.com"}]},"sameAs":["https://www.linkedin.com/company/duocircle","https://x.com/duocirclellc","https://www.facebook.com/duocirclellc","https://github.com/duocircle"],"contactPoint":{"@type":"ContactPoint","contactType":"customer support","url":"https://phishprotection.com/contact/"},"knowsAbout":["Phishing Protection","Email Security","Anti-Phishing","Business Email Compromise","Ransomware Protection","Time of Click Protection","Office 365 Email Security","Advanced Threat Defense"]},"mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://phishprotection.com/blog/the-latest-phishing-scams-hackers-can-bypass-two-factor-authentication/"},"articleSection":"foundational","keywords":"Phishing","wordCount":1192,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://media.mailhop.org/phishprotection/images/2021/04/what-is-phishing-6724.jpg","caption":"Phish Protection blog post image","width":1200,"height":630},"speakable":{"@type":"SpeakableSpecification","cssSelector":[".answer-block","h1"]}}
```

```json
{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https://phishprotection.com/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Blog","item":"https://phishprotection.com/blog/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Foundational","item":"https://phishprotection.com/foundational/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":4,"name":"The Latest In Phishing Scams: Hackers Can Now Bypass Two-Factor Authentication","item":"https://phishprotection.com/blog/the-latest-phishing-scams-hackers-can-bypass-two-factor-authentication/"}]}
```