A digital device, such as a computer, smartphone, tablet, or even an entire network, can be compromised through any activity known as hacking. While hacking isn't always done with malice, most recent hacks and references to hackers are driven by money, protest, information gathering (espionage), or even "fun.". Cybercriminals who " Challenge refer to it as an illegal activity.
What sort of people are hackers?
In the minds of many, a "hacker" is a self-taught genius or rebel programmer who can alter computer hardware or software to use it contrary to the original creator's intended purposes. This is a constrained viewpoint, though, and needs to address the more general motivations behind why someone might resort to hacking. Read Under the Hoodie: Why Money, Power, and Ego Drive Hackers to Cybercrime to learn more about the various motivations that various types of hackers can have. The hacker's Sick Codes were also discussed in an episode of the Malwarebytes Labs podcast.
Types of hackers.
- White hat ethical hacking - Recognize hardware, software, and network security vulnerabilities.
- Black hat ethical hacking - Illegally stealing data.
- Grey hat ethical hacking - Partially violates laws or typical ethical standards.
Hackers typically try to access computers and networks for one of four causes.
This qualifies as criminal financial gain, which includes taking bank account information or credit card numbers.
In addition, some hackers are driven to leave their mark on the websites they vandalize as evidence that they have successfully hacked to build street cred and improve their reputation within the hacker subculture.
Then there is corporate espionage, or cyber espionage, in which hackers from one company attempt to steal details about a rival's goods and services to gain a competitive edge.
Last but not least, entire countries engage in state-sponsored hacking to steal commercial and/or national intelligence, undermine the infrastructure of their rivals, or even sow unrest and confusion in the country of the target. (It is generally acknowledged that China and Russia were responsible for such attacks, including one on Forbes.com. Additionally, the recent hacking attempts against the Democratic National Committee [DNC] received significant media attention, particularly after Microsoft claimed hackers were to blame. (Unknown flaws in the Windows operating system from Microsoft and the Flash program from Adobe Systems were used against the Democratic National Committee. The US government has also been accused of hacking in some instances. ).
A hacker motivated by politics or other social issues also falls under the cybercriminal category. These "hacktivists," or hacker-activists, aim to draw attention to a problem by drawing negative attention to the target—typically by leaking sensitive information. Anonymous, WikiLeaks, and LulzSec are notable hacktivist organizations, and some of their more notable projects.
How do hackers hack?
Technically, hacking frequently entails the creation of malware that stores malware in a drive-by attack that doesn't require user interaction. However, cybercriminals can also manipulate users' emotions to persuade them to open a malicious attachment or divulge personal data. The term "social engineering" refers to these strategies.
In fact, hacking is a catch-all term for the majority, if not all, of malicious cyberattacks against the general public, businesses, and governments. Common hacking methods include: in addition to social engineering and malicious advertising.
Tools/Techniques used for hacking
- Botnets
- hijacking a browser
- DDoS attacks are attempts to deny service
- Ransomware
- Rootkits
- Trojan horses
- Viruses
- Worms
- Keyloggers
- Phishing
There is yet another method for studying hackers. White hats are always the good guys in old western films. Evildoers are Black Hats. The cyber frontier of today still has a Wild West vibe, with white and black hackers and even a third category in the middle.
Suppose a hacker has in-depth computer systems and software knowledge and uses that knowledge to undermine that technology. In that case, a black hat hacker does it to steal something valuable or for other sinister motives. Therefore, it makes sense to assign any of these four motivations—theft, reputation, corporate espionage, and nation-state hacking—to black hats.
Contrarily, white hat hackers work to strengthen the security of a company's security systems by uncovering gaps that could allow them to stop identity theft or other cybercrimes before black hats are even aware they exist. According to a recent New York Times online article, businesses even employ their own white-collar hackers as members of their support staff. Or companies can even contract out their white hat hacking to companies like HackerOne, which charges clients to test software for flaws and vulnerabilities.
The gray hat group, which includes hackers who use their skills to break into networks and systems without authorization (like black hats), is the last. However, they can notify the target owner of their discovery and offer to fix the vulnerability for a small fee rather than causing criminal mayhem.
How to prevent from being hacked?
- Avoid using public wifi to access sensitive information.
- Turn off anything you don't need.
- Uninstall apps that you don't need.
- Choose your apps carefully.
- Secure everything with a password.
- Use a strong password.
- Don't click on unwanted links and download unwanted apps and attachments.
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