How Hackers Are Targeting Your Systems Right Now

cyber attack

Hackers are able to target your systems in several different ways. A provider who offers cybersecurity services can help protect your business against these attacks. Here are some examples of how hackers could be targeting your systems right now.

1. Stealing Passwords and Data through Weak Access Points

Weak access points can include networks with no VPN, no MFA, companies using BYOD policies. Investing in VPN, cloud security, and MFA from a provider who offers cybersecurity services can help you deter hackers. 

VPNs offer an extra layer of protection to avoid being easy prey for hackers. They work by rendering all your local traffic indecipherable to cybercriminals. A VPN will keep your local traffic encrypted. VPNs make it more difficult for a hacker to see what the target is doing online or redirect them to malicious websites. 

Cloud security is a way to ensure the protection of your data. Many businesses don’t have the resources to store big data safely, and outsourcing cybersecurity services can ensure your data is stored in a safe location. You can also ensure cloud backup and a disaster recovery plan is in place in the event of a data breach.

MFA, or multi-factor authentication, increases your security by requiring multiple forms of verification to prove your identity, such as an app on your phone. This is much more secure than just using a simple password or passcode and makes it more difficult for hackers to access your data.  

2. Increasing Phishing Emails 

Human error is the main reason for security incidents. Unfortunately, one person’s mistake could affect the entire system. If one employee falls victim to fraud, then this could compromise the whole network. Phishing emails are an example of how staff members can be tricked into passing on sensitive data.

There has been a recent increase in phishing emails. Fraudulent emails ask for details such as passwords and other sensitive data. In fact, 65% of organizations in the US have experienced a successful phishing attack. It’s essential to train employees on how to recognize certain signs of phishing emails.  

One warning sign is if the email is sent from a public email domain. For example, no legitimate organization will have an email address ending in “gmail.com.” Still, phishing campaigns can be very convincing. Hackers will use company logos and branded correspondence, but it will be a fraudulent email address.

Another way you can tell an email is a phishing scam if it’s poorly written or misspelled. These errors are part of a filtering system in order to target the most gullible people. If they are prepared to overlook these errors, then perhaps they will also fall for other parts of the scam.

3. Compromising Systems That Aren’t Being Monitored

Weaknesses can arise at any point and be exploited by threat actors. Hackers will take advantage of poor network security. It’s important to upgrade your IT services and carry out sufficient monitoring in order to protect your business.

Cybersecurity providers can combat these risks by monitoring your systems 24/7 to immediately identify and patch weaknesses like zero-day vulnerabilities. By outsourcing your cybersecurity services, you’ll be able to ensure a complete, professional monitoring of your system. 

4. Hidden networks

It sounds unusual, but in fact, you should never use a hidden network. This actually makes your Wi-Fi network more visible to hackers. Because the network is hidden, devices that have connected to it previously will be constantly searching for it, no matter where you are. It’s a simple matter to intercept that signal.

This means you could be giving away your home or work address to anyone listening in on Wi-Fi transmissions. It’s better to use an ethernet connection rather than a hidden Wi-Fi network. The easiest way to ensure your network is secure is to outsource a cybersecurity expert, who will set up the best system for you.

5. Baiting

According to a recent report, hackers are now even targeting other hackers using a technique known as baiting. This is essentially infecting and repacking popular hacking tools with malware. When the tools are opened, the hacker gains full access to the target’s computer. 

These maliciously repackaged tools are not only opening a back door to the hacker’s system, but also to any system the hacker has already breached. So it turns out, the most advanced hackers are able to hack into systems that have already been penetrated.   

In conclusion, there are several ways in which hackers can target your systems, and their methods of attack are changing every day. By outsourcing cybersecurity services, you can ensure the safety of your data.