What is Hacking and How Does it Affect You?
Hacking is a multibillion dollar industry that involves highly skilled individuals using sophisticated stealthy attack methods to go undetected by cybersecurity software and IT teams. While the traditional view of a hacker is that of a lone rogue programmer, the reality is far more complex.
Hackers breach defenses to gain unauthorized access into computers, phones, tablets, IoT devices, networks, and even entire computing systems. They do this for a variety of reasons including installing malware, stealing and selling data, and disrupting service. Hackers use a variety of techniques to breach security, from social engineering to exploiting technical weaknesses in computer system defenses. The most common hacks involve phishing emails and links, social media accounts, and password-protected documents.
Cybercrimes involving hacking are becoming more prevalent and more dangerous. One of the biggest reasons is that hackers are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Fileless attacks, for instance, allow hackers to run malicious scripts in memory without relying on downloaded programs. Additionally, advanced persistent threat (APT) hacking allows criminals to linger in networks for extended periods of time.
Fortunately, there are ways to minimize your risk of being hacked. Practice strong passwords, never click on links or open attachments from unknown senders, and keep your computer software up to date. It is also important to use secure Wi-Fi networks for personal and financial data, and properly dispose of electronic devices that contain your information or login credentials.
When choosing to hire an ethical hacker, be sure to follow a thorough vetting process that includes a background check, multiple character references, and past customer recommendations.