7 Facts You Should Know About Hacking
Cyber Security & Hacking
Let’s take a look at some very important facts in the Cybersecurity world. Understanding just a little can lead to a much safer computer or network for your company.
Hackers Focus On Individuals More Than Companies!
Cybersecurity expert Julio Rivera told us; “Although the headlines are dominated by stories regarding major ransomware attacks that target large entities, the far majority of attacks that occur on a daily basis victimize the average computer user. These kinds of attacks net cybercriminals billions of dollars yearly.” The future of hacking could become highly intrusive to the everyday person. For more on how to stay safe; the PIA blog post describes hacking quite well. And goes into good depth. Of course, don’t feel bad about becoming hacked, even the FBI was hacked recently according to the Washington Post!!
Ethical Hacking Isn’t Evil!
Lately, Ethical hacking, also known as “penetration testing” or “white hat” hacking has become so popular that the FBI is now hiring Ethical Hackers according to the Chicago Tribune. It is the practice of simulating a cyber attack on a computer system or network to identify potential security vulnerabilities and assess the effectiveness of security measures. The goal of ethical hacking is to find and remediate security weaknesses before they can be exploited by malicious actors. Ethical hackers use the same methods and tools as malicious hackers, but with the explicit permission of the system owner and with the objective of improving the security of the system. Ethical hacking is a valuable tool for organizations to improve their cybersecurity posture, as it provides a realistic simulation of a cyber attack and helps organizations identify and fix security weaknesses before they can be exploited.
The Hacker’s Toolkit
Hackers use a variety of tools and techniques to compromise systems, including malware, phishing scams, and exploiting vulnerabilities in software or hardware. Understanding these tools and techniques is crucial for staying protected against cyber-attacks. Knowing what to look for is the best defense against a malicious attack.
Strong Passwords
Strong passwords are important to stay safe against hacking because they serve according to MIT “as the first line of defense against cyber threats” and against unauthorized access to a person’s online accounts and personal information. A strong password is one that is difficult for a malicious actor to guess or crack using automated methods.
Passwords are often the only barrier between an attacker and sensitive information, such as financial data, personal identities, and confidential business information. Weak passwords can be easily cracked using automated tools, leaving sensitive information vulnerable to theft or misuse.
On the other hand, strong passwords that use a combination of upper and lower case letters; numbers, and symbols are much more difficult to crack. They increase the amount of time and computational resources required to break into an account, making it less attractive for malicious actors.
It is also important to regularly change passwords and not reuse the same password for multiple accounts. This reduces the risk of having multiple accounts becoming compromised; if a single password becomes cracked or obtained by a malicious actor.
The Dark Web Is Bad
The dark web becomes often associated with illegal and harmful activities; making it a dangerous place for individuals to visit and engage with. Recently according to Stanford University, the government is doing their best to bring the dark web into the light. Some of the reasons why the dark web becomes considered bad include:
- Criminal activity: The dark web is a hub for criminal activity, including the sale of illegal goods and services such as drugs, weapons, and stolen personal information. This criminal activity can result in harm to individuals and organizations, including financial loss, identity theft, and physical harm.
- Hacking and malware: The dark web is also a source for hacking tools, malware; and other cyber threats that can become used to attack individuals and organizations. By accessing the dark web, individuals and organizations can unknowingly expose themselves to these dangers.
- Anonymity: The dark web, designed to provide users with a high level of anonymity; making it a popular platform for criminal activity and illegal activities that individuals would like to keep hidden. However, this anonymity can also make it difficult for law enforcement to track and prosecute criminal activity.
- Scams and fraud: The dark web is home to many scams and fraudulent activities, including phishing scams, Ponzi schemes, and other forms of financial fraud. These scams can result in financial loss; and other forms of harm to individuals and organizations.
Software Updates : Super Undervalued!
Software updates become often released to address security vulnerabilities; so it is important to keep software up-to-date to reduce the risk of becoming hacked. Simple, easy, quick, there is no excuse here.
Backing Up A Computer : Also Extremely Undervalued!
Moreover, regularly backing up important data is essential for recovering from a cyber-attack. In the event of a data breach, having a recent backup can help minimize the impact and restore lost data.
In conclusion, hacking is a complex and rapidly evolving field, and it is important for individuals and organizations to stay informed and take proactive steps to protect themselves against cyber-attacks. By understanding the tools and techniques used by hackers, implementing strong passwords and security measures, and being vigilant and aware of the risks associated with technology, individuals and organizations can better protect themselves against cyber threats.
7 Facts You Should Know About Hacking
