The word "hacking" often brings up images of hooded figures in dark rooms, tapping away at keyboards to steal our identities and drain our bank accounts. But the truth is, hacking is a much broader concept, including both the malicious and the ethical. In fact, did you know that the cost of cybercrime globally show more ...
is estimated to reach a staggering $10.5 trillion by 2025? The skills used to break into a computer system can also be harnessed to identify and patch security weaknesses. In this article, we’ll talk about what hacking is, who hackers are, why they hack, how they hack, and much more! What Is Hacking? Hacking involves activities aimed at compromising digital devices like computers, smartphones, tablets, and networks. While hacking isn't always malicious, most references to it and hackers portray them as engaging in unlawful activities, motivated by financial gain, protest, information gathering (spying), or simply the challenge. Who Are Hackers? Some believe a hacker is a self-taught whiz kid or rogue programmer adept at modifying computer hardware or software for uses beyond the original developers' intentions. However, this narrow view doesn't fully encompass the various reasons why someone might hack. Here are some of the most common types of hackers: Black Hat Hackers: We typically associate these malicious actors with hacking. They exploit system vulnerabilities for personal gain, such as stealing data, disrupting operations, or planting malware. White Hat Hackers: Often referred to as ethical hackers, white hats use their skills to identify and patch security weaknesses in systems, making them more secure. They may be employed by security firms or work independently, conducting penetration testing (simulated attacks) with permission from the system owners. Grey Hat Hackers: Operating in a moral gray area, gray hat hackers may exploit vulnerabilities without malicious intent, sometimes notifying the system owner or even patching the flaw themselves. However, their actions can still have unintended consequences and raise ethical concerns. How Do Hackers Hack? Hackers use different methods to achieve their goals. Some common techniques include: Exploiting Software Vulnerabilities: Software isn't perfect, and developers sometimes introduce vulnerabilities during the coding process. These vulnerabilities can be coding errors, configuration mistakes, or design flaws. Hackers leverage these weaknesses to gain a foothold in a system. Here are some ways vulnerabilities are exploited: Buffer Overflows: A buffer is a temporary storage space in memory. If a program tries to write more data into a buffer than it can hold, it can overflow into adjacent memory locations. Hackers can exploit this overflow to inject their code and gain control of the program. SQL Injection: This involves injecting malicious SQL code into website forms or database queries. This code can be used to steal data, modify databases, or even take control of the server. Cross-Site Scripting (XSS): Hackers inject malicious scripts into a website that are then executed by the user's browser. These scripts can be used to steal cookies, session IDs, or other sensitive information. Social Engineering: As mentioned earlier, tricking users into divulging sensitive information or clicking malicious links remains a prevalent tactic. Here are some common social engineering techniques: Phishing Attacks: These emails or messages appear to be from legitimate sources, often impersonating banks, credit card companies, or social media platforms. They create a sense of urgency or exploit curiosity, luring users into clicking links that download malware or steal credentials. Phishing emails can be very sophisticated, mimicking logos and using familiar language to appear genuine. Pretexting: Hackers gather information about their target beforehand and use that information to build trust. They may pose as customer service representatives, law enforcement officials, or even colleagues, tricking the victim into revealing confidential information. Vishing: Similar to phishing, vishing uses voice calls (often robocalls) to impersonate legitimate organizations and trick victims into divulging personal information over the phone. Password Attacks: Weak passwords are a hacker's dream. Here are some methods hackers use to crack passwords: Brute Force Attack: This method systematically tries every possible combination of letters, numbers, and symbols until the password is guessed. Dictionary Attack: Hackers use a list of commonly used words and phrases to try and guess passwords. This can be effective because many people use weak passwords based on dictionary words. Rainbow Table Attack: These are precomputed tables that can be used to crack hashed passwords (passwords that have been encrypted using a one-way mathematical function). Malware: Malicious software like viruses, worms, and Trojans can exploit vulnerabilities, steal data, or disrupt operations. Here's a breakdown of some common malware types: Viruses: Self-replicating programs that spread from one computer to another, often attaching themselves to legitimate files. Worms: Similar to viruses, worms can spread quickly across networks but do not require attaching themselves to other files. Trojan Horses: Disguised as legitimate software, Trojans trick users into installing them on their devices. Once installed, they can steal data, create backdoors for remote access, or download additional malware. Zero-Day Attacks: These exploit previously unknown vulnerabilities before software developers have time to issue a patch. Zero-day attacks are particularly dangerous because there is no immediate defense against them. However, security researchers are constantly working to identify and disclose zero-day vulnerabilities, prompting software developers to release patches as soon as possible. Types of Hacking/Hackers Hacking manifests in various forms, each with its own methods and goals. Here's a look at some prevalent types, categorized by both the intent of the hacker and the target system: 1. Black Hat Hacking Network Hacking: Black hats employ various techniques to infiltrate a computer network. This can involve: Exploiting network vulnerabilities: Hackers scan networks for weaknesses in protocols, configurations, or devices to gain unauthorized access. Techniques include port scanning, sniffing network traffic, and exploiting known security flaws. Password Cracking: Using brute-force attacks or rainbow tables, hackers attempt to guess user passwords and gain access to accounts. Denial-of-Service (DoS) Attacks: These attacks overwhelm a system with traffic, making it unavailable to legitimate users. Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attacks leverage multiple compromised machines to launch a more potent assault. Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) Attacks: Hackers intercept communication between two parties, eavesdropping on data or even modifying it in transit. This can be achieved through compromised Wi-Fi networks or DNS spoofing. Web Application Hacking: Websites and web applications are prime targets for black hats due to the potential for stealing user data or disrupting operations. Common methods include: SQL Injection: Exploiting vulnerabilities in how websites interact with databases to steal sensitive information like usernames, passwords, and credit card details. Cross-Site Scripting (XSS): Injecting malicious scripts into a website that can steal user cookies, redirect them to phishing sites, or deface the website itself. Session Hijacking: Stealing a user's session ID or cookie to impersonate them and access their account. Social Engineering: As mentioned earlier, tricking users into divulging sensitive information or clicking malicious links remains a prevalent tactic. Black hats excel at crafting believable phishing emails, phone calls, or text messages that prey on human emotions, trust, or urgency. 2. White Hat Hacking Penetration Testing: Ethical hackers perform simulated attacks on a system with permission to identify and exploit vulnerabilities before malicious actors can. Penetration testing methodologies involve: Footprinting and Reconnaissance: Gathering information about the target system, such as its operating system, software versions, and network topology. Scanning and Enumeration: Identifying vulnerabilities in the system through automated tools and manual techniques. Gaining Initial Access: Exploiting a vulnerability to establish a foothold in the system. Maintaining Access: Establishing persistence on the system to allow for further exploration and exploitation. Post-Exploitation: Taking actions within the compromised system, such as stealing data or pivoting to other parts of the network. Penetration testers report their findings to the system owner along with recommendations for remediation. Security Research: White hats actively discover and report new security flaws in software and systems to help developers create more secure products. Their research may involve reverse engineering software, analyzing code for vulnerabilities, and developing proof-of-concept exploits to demonstrate the potential impact of the flaw. 3. Grey Hat Hacking Grey hats operate in a moral gray area. Some common examples include: Vulnerability Disclosure: Discovering and publicly disclosing a vulnerability without notifying the system owner first. While this can raise awareness of the issue, it can also leave systems vulnerable until a patch is developed. Defacing Websites: Hacking into a website and changing its content, often as a form of protest or to leave a message. While not necessarily malicious, it can cause disruption and damage the reputation of the website owner. Why Do Hackers Hack? The motivations behind hacking are as diverse and varied as the hackers themselves. While financial gain is often a top contender, the reasons extend far beyond simple greed. Let’s discuss the motivations that drive hackers: Money This remains the most common motivator for black hat hackers. They exploit vulnerabilities to steal financial information like credit card details or bank account numbers. Ransomware attacks are a prominent example, where hackers encrypt a victim's data and demand a ransom payment for decryption. Cryptocurrency has also emerged as a popular target, with hackers targeting cryptocurrency wallets and exchanges to steal digital assets. Espionage Corporate espionage and state-sponsored cyberattacks pose a significant threat in the digital age. Competitors can hire hackers to steal trade secrets, intellectual property, or confidential business plans. Governments may also use cyber espionage to gather intelligence on foreign powers or disrupt critical infrastructure. Disruption and Chaos Some hackers are driven by the desire to cause disruption and sow chaos. Denial-of-service (DoS) attacks overwhelm a website or server with traffic, rendering it inaccessible to legitimate users. Hacktivist groups might deface websites or leak sensitive information to protest government policies or raise awareness about social issues. Challenge and Recognition The intellectual thrill of the challenge is a powerful motivator for some hackers. They enjoy the intellectual pursuit of finding and exploiting vulnerabilities in complex systems. For some, the challenge lies in bypassing security measures and outsmarting security professionals. Recognition within online communities can also be a driving force, with hackers seeking notoriety by publicizing their exploits or leaking stolen data. Ideology and Activism Hacktivism uses hacking techniques to promote a political or social cause. These groups may target government websites, corporations, or organizations they perceive as unjust. Their motivations can range from advocating for human rights or environmental protection to protesting against censorship or online surveillance. Personal Revenge Hacking can also be a tool for personal revenge. A disgruntled employee might target their former employer's network, or a jilted lover might try to access their ex-partner's accounts. These attacks are often fueled by anger and a desire to inflict harm. Boredom and Curiosity For some, especially script kiddies, hacking can be a way to alleviate boredom or satisfy curiosity. They might experiment with readily available hacking tools without fully understanding the consequences of their actions. What Devices Are Most Vulnerable to Hacking? Smartphones: Smart devices, such as smartphones, are attractive targets for hackers. Android devices, in particular, have a more open-source and inconsistent software development process than Apple devices, which makes them vulnerable to data theft or corruption. However, hackers are increasingly focusing on the millions of devices connected to the Internet of Things (IoT). Jailbroken Phones: Jailbreaking a phone means removing restrictions imposed on its operating system to enable users to install applications or other software unavailable through its official app store. Aside from violating the end-user’s license agreement with the phone developer, jailbreaking exposes many vulnerabilities. Hackers can target jailbroken phones, which allows them to steal any data on the device and extend their attack to connected networks and systems. Webcams: Webcams built into computers are a common hacking target because they are relatively simple. Hackers usually gain access to a computer using a Remote Access Trojan (RAT) in rootkit malware, which allows them to spy on users, read their messages, see their browsing activity, take screenshots, and hijack their webcam. Email: Email is one of the most common targets of cyberattacks. It is used to spread malware and ransomware and as a tactic for phishing attacks, which enable attackers to target victims with malicious attachments or links. Routers: Hacking routers allows attackers to access data sent and received across them and networks accessed through them. Hackers can also hijack a router to carry out broader malicious acts such as distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks, Domain Name System (DNS) spoofing, or crypto mining. How to Prevent Yourself From Hacking Attacks? You can protect yourself from hackers by practicing good cybersecurity habits. Here are some important tips to keep in mind: Use strong passwords: Ensure your passwords are at least 12 characters long and include a mix of upper- and lower-case letters, numbers, and special characters. Consider using a password manager to help keep track of your passwords. Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA): Turn on two-factor or multi-factor authentication for added security on your online accounts. Beware of phishing: Be cautious of emails or texts from unknown senders that contain links or attachments. Avoid clicking on these links or opening attachments, and delete suspicious messages. Manage your digital footprint: Take steps to manage your online presence, such as deleting unused accounts and apps, reviewing privacy settings on social media, and being mindful of the information you share online. Keep your devices and software up to date: Regularly update your operating system, applications, and devices to protect against security vulnerabilities. Secure your devices: Lock your devices with secure methods such as fingerprint recognition or a unique PIN. Consider using tracking features like Find My iPhone or Find My Device in case your phone is lost or stolen. Key Takeaways Hacking encompasses both ethical and malicious uses of computer skills to gain unauthorized access to systems. Hackers come in various forms, with motivations ranging from financial gain and espionage to intellectual challenge and social activism. Common hacking methods include exploiting software vulnerabilities, social engineering tactics like phishing, and deploying malware. To minimize your hacking risk, use strong passwords with 2FA, keep software updated, and be cautious of suspicious online interactions. Ethical hackers (white hats) play a crucial role in identifying and patching security weaknesses, making the digital world safer for everyone. FAQs What are the 3 types of hackers? The three types of hackers are white hat hackers (ethical hackers who test and secure systems), black hat hackers (malicious hackers who exploit systems for personal gain), and gray hat hackers (who may act illegally, but not for malicious purposes). Who is World No 1 hacker? Kevin Mitnick is often considered one of the most famous hackers in history, known for his black hat activities before turning to ethical hacking. How to learn hacking? To learn hacking, one should start with understanding computer networks, operating systems, and programming languages. It's also important to have a strong ethical foundation and respect for the law. What is a red hacker? A red hacker typically refers to a hacker who targets malicious hackers or organizations, often in defense of a cause or to expose wrongdoing. They may also be known as hacktivists. How risky is hacking? Hacking can be very risky both legally and ethically. Engaging in unauthorized access to computer systems can lead to severe legal consequences, including fines and imprisonment. Additionally, hacking can harm individuals, organizations, and even national security.
Phishing scams have become increasingly sophisticated over the years, catching even the most cautious internet users off guard. Each year, 83% of all businesses experience a phishing attack. As cybercriminals adopt ever more advanced tactics, understanding the mechanisms behind phishing attacks has never been more show more ...
important for protecting personal and sensitive data online. This post provides a detailed explanation of exactly what constitutes a phishing attack, exploring its technical underpinnings and different forms. By learning to recognize the signs and patterns employed by phishing scams, readers can equip themselves to avoid falling victim and prevent hackers from accessing private accounts or installing malware. The information covered aims to raise awareness of this pervasive cyber threat while also offering perspective on why phishing persists as such an effective tool for deceiving users. Let's begin with addressing the most fundamental question: what exactly is a phishing attack? What is a Phishing Attack? Phishing is a form of cybercrime that includes fraudulent attempts to obtain sensitive information or personal data through deceptive emails, text messages, phone calls, or websites. These attacks aim to trick users into downloading malware, divulging confidential information such as Social Security or credit card numbers, or taking actions that compromise their security. Successful phishing attacks can lead to various consequences, including identity theft, credit card fraud, ransomware infections, data breaches, and substantial financial losses for individuals and organizations alike. This type of cyber threat falls under social engineering, a tactic where attackers manipulate individuals into divulging information or performing actions that benefit the attacker. By posing as trusted entities, such as coworkers or reputable organizations, cybercriminals create a false sense of urgency or importance to prompt victims to act impulsively. Phishing emails are particularly prevalent, serving as a primary method for delivering ransomware and other malicious payloads. According to the FBI, phishing emails are the most common attack vectors used by hackers to distribute ransomware. Additionally, IBM's Cost of a Data Breach 2022 report highlights phishing as the second most common cause of data breaches. How Phishing Attacks Work? Imagine receiving an email or a text message that seems legitimate at first glance. It could be from your bank, an online retailer, or even a colleague. But what if we told you that these seemingly harmless messages could be part of a malicious scheme known as phishing? Phishing attacks typically follow a similar pattern. First, the attacker crafts a convincing message that seems to be from a trusted source, like a bank, social media platform, or any online service provider. The message generally contains a sense of urgency or fear, prompting the recipient to act immediately without thoroughly assessing the situation. There are several common techniques used in phishing attacks, each designed to deceive recipients and convince them to disclose sensitive information. These techniques include email spoofing, where the sender's email address is disguised to appear legitimate, and pretexting, where attackers create a false narrative to elicit sympathy or trust from the victim. While phishing attacks can be sophisticated, there are often telltale signs that can help you identify them. Look out for spelling and grammatical errors, generic greetings, and requests for sensitive information or immediate action. Additionally, hover over links in emails to preview the URL before clicking, and be cautious of unexpected attachments or downloads. Types of Phishing Attacks 1) Bulk phishing emails Bulk phishing emails are a prevalent form of phishing attack where scammers create email messages that mimic those from reputable organizations, such as banks, retailers, or software companies, and then send them to a large number of recipients. The goal of bulk email phishing is to exploit the trust associated with well-known brands to deceive recipients into divulging sensitive information or downloading malware. To make these phishing emails appear legitimate, cybercriminals often include the logo of the impersonated sender and mask the 'from' email address to resemble that of the legitimate organization. Some even go as far as spoofing the sender's domain name to make it look authentic at first glance. The subject lines of these emails are carefully crafted to address topics that the impersonated sender would plausibly discuss, and they often play on emotions like fear, curiosity, or urgency to grab the recipient's attention. Common subject lines include prompts to update user profiles, alerts about order issues, or notifications about attached invoices. Within the body of the email, recipients are instructed to take seemingly reasonable actions that ultimately lead to divulging sensitive information or downloading malicious files. For instance, they may be prompted to click a link to update their profile, only to be redirected to a fake website designed to steal their login credentials. Alternatively, they may be asked to open an attachment that appears legitimate but contains malware. 2) Spear Phishing In contrast, spear phishing targets specific individuals, often those with privileged access or authority within an organization. Spear phishers conduct extensive research to impersonate someone the target trusts, using personal or financial information gleaned from social media or networking sites. They then craft personalized messages containing specific details or requests, such as urgent payment transfers, to deceive the target into divulging sensitive information. Whaling attacks are a subset of spear phishing that targets high-profile individuals like C-level executives or wealthy individuals. These attacks aim to exploit their status or authority for fraudulent purposes. 3) Business Email Compromise Business Email Compromise (BEC) is a form of spear phishing attack that aims to steal significant amounts of money or highly valuable information, such as trade secrets or financial data, from businesses or organizations. BEC attacks manifest in various ways, with two common types being: CEO Fraud: In this scenario, the attacker either impersonates a high-ranking executive's email account or gains unauthorized access to it. They then send emails to employees lower in the hierarchy, instructing them to transfer funds to fraudulent accounts, make purchases from fake vendors, or disclose sensitive information. Email Account Compromise (EAC): Here, the attacker compromises a lower-level employee's email account, often someone in departments like finance, sales, or research and development (R&D). They exploit this access to send bogus invoices to vendors, direct other employees to make unauthorized payments or deposits, or request access to confidential data. To execute these attacks, scammers typically obtain access to company email accounts by tricking executives or employees into revealing their email credentials through spear phishing tactics. For instance, they may send a deceptive email claiming that the recipient's password is expiring and urging them to click a link to update their account. However, the link leads to a fake website designed to harvest login credentials. 4) Account deactivation scams Account deactivation scams exploit the sense of urgency experienced by victims who believe their important accounts are at risk of deactivation. Attackers use this urgency to deceive individuals into divulging sensitive information, such as login credentials. For instance, attackers might send an email masquerading as a reputable institution like a bank, claiming that the victim's bank account will be deactivated unless immediate action is taken. The victim is then prompted to provide their login and password to prevent deactivation. In some instances, after providing the information, the victim is directed to the legitimate bank website to avoid suspicion. To counter such attacks, users should directly visit the website of the service in question to verify if the legitimate provider has issued any notifications about the account status. Additionally, it's crucial to inspect the URL bar to ensure the website is secure. Any website requesting login credentials that lacks proper security measures should be approached with skepticism and avoided whenever possible. 5) Website forgery scams Website forgery scams often accompany other scams, such as account deactivation scams. In this scheme, attackers create fraudulent websites that closely resemble legitimate business websites frequented by the victim, such as a bank's website. When the victim accesses the page, whether through phishing emails, hyperlinks in forums, or search engine results, they are misled into believing it's the authentic site. Any information entered on these fraudulent sites is harvested for malicious purposes, such as identity theft or financial fraud. While earlier iterations of these fake websites were easily distinguishable due to their poor quality, modern fraudulent sites may appear indistinguishable from genuine ones. However, users can still identify potential fraud by scrutinizing the URL in the web browser. Any deviation from the usual URL structure should raise suspicion. Additionally, if a site lacks HTTPS encryption or is flagged as insecure, it's likely either malfunctioning or part of a phishing attack, and users should refrain from interacting with it. How to Protect Yourself Against Phishing Attacks? In today's digital age, where cyber threats lurk around every virtual corner, protecting yourself against phishing attacks has become more crucial than ever. Phishing attacks are sneaky attempts by cybercriminals to trick you into revealing sensitive information like passwords, credit card numbers, or personal data. But fear not! With the right knowledge and tools, you can arm yourself against these malicious schemes. Let's explore some practical steps you can take to safeguard your digital identity and assets. 1. Stay Informed and Vigilant The first line of defense against phishing attacks is awareness. Educate yourself and your team about how phishing works and the common tactics used by cybercriminals. Train yourself to recognize the red flags of phishing emails, such as unexpected requests for sensitive information, urgent language, or suspicious email addresses. Remember, knowledge is power, and staying informed can help you spot phishing attempts before they ensnare you. 2. Think Before You Click One of the primary ways cybercriminals lure their victims is through enticing links or attachments in phishing emails. Before clicking on any link or downloading an attachment: Pause and scrutinize the email carefully. Hover your mouse over the link to see the actual URL it leads to. If it looks suspicious or doesn't match the sender's purported identity, refrain from clicking. When in doubt, verify the authenticity of the email with the sender through a separate, trusted communication channel. 3. Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Multi-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your accounts by requiring multiple forms of verification to grant access. Even if a cybercriminal manages to obtain your password through a phishing attack, they would still need another form of authentication, such as a code sent to your phone, to gain entry. Enable MFA wherever possible, especially for sensitive accounts like your email, banking, or social media accounts. 4. Keep Your Software Updated Outdated software, including operating systems, web browsers, and antivirus programs, can leave you vulnerable to security threats, including phishing attacks. Regularly update your software and enable automatic updates whenever possible to patch known vulnerabilities and protect against the latest threats. Additionally, consider using reputable antivirus software with real-time scanning capabilities to detect and block phishing attempts in real-time. 5. Trust Yourself Sometimes, your gut feeling can be your best defense against phishing attacks. If an email or message seems too good to be true or raises suspicions, trust your instincts and proceed with caution. Don't let fear or urgency cloud your judgment. Take the time to verify the legitimacy of the communication, especially if it involves sharing sensitive information or making financial transactions. 6. Report Suspicious Activity Lastly, if you encounter a phishing attempt or suspect that you've fallen victim to one, don't hesitate to report it. Many organizations, including email service providers, financial institutions, and cybersecurity agencies, have mechanisms in place to handle and investigate phishing incidents. By reporting suspicious activity promptly, you not only protect yourself but also help prevent others from falling prey to similar scams. Final Words! Phishing attacks are a malicious form of cybercrime that aims to steal personal information, like usernames, passwords, and credit card numbers. These attacks use various techniques, including social engineering tactics and imitating legitimate websites and emails, to deceive victims into giving out sensitive data. There are several types of phishing attacks, including spear phishing, whaling, and clone phishing. These phishing attacks continue to evolve and become more sophisticated, making it essential for people and organizations to stay vigilant. Remember that no one is immune to phishing attacks. By following these steps, you can better protect yourself from becoming a victim of this type of cybercrime. Stay vigilant and be cautious when sharing sensitive information online. Key Takeaways Phishing attacks are deceptive tactics used by cybercriminals to trick people into divulging sensitive information or downloading malicious software. Types of phishing attacks include bulk phishing emails, spear phishing, and business email compromise (BEC), each tailored to exploit different vulnerabilities and targets. Protecting yourself against phishing attacks requires awareness, vigilance, and proactive security measures. This includes staying informed about common phishing tactics, thinking before clicking on suspicious links or attachments, using multi-factor authentication, keeping software updated, and trusting your instincts. Phishing attacks can result in identity fraud, financial fraud, ransomware infections, and data breaches, resulting in significant personal and financial losses. By following best practices for cybersecurity and implementing robust security measures, individuals can decrease the danger of falling victim to phishing attacks and safeguard their digital identities and assets. FAQ's What is a phishing attack? A phishing attack is a kind of cybercrime where scammers use deceptive tactics to trick individuals into divulging sensitive information or downloading malware. What are the types of phishing attacks? There are many types of phishing attacks, including bulk phishing emails, spear phishing, and business email compromise (BEC). Bulk phishing targets a large number of people indiscriminately, while spear phishing targets specific individuals or organizations. How can I protect myself against phishing attacks? To protect yourself against phishing attacks, it's important to stay vigilant and informed. Be cautious of unsolicited emails or messages, especially those requesting sensitive information or urgent action. Avoid clicking on fraud links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. What are the consequences of falling victim to a phishing attack? Victims of a phishing attack can have serious consequences, including identity theft, financial fraud, ransomware infections, and data breaches. These can result in significant personal and financial losses and damage to your reputation and privacy. Where can I learn more about protecting myself from phishing attacks? There are many resources available online to help you learn more about protecting yourself from phishing attacks. You can consult reputable cybersecurity websites, follow security best practices, and educate yourself about common phishing tactics and how to spot them.
Henry County has been dealing with a wide-ranging cyberattack since March 18, Mat Schnepple, director of the Emergency Management (OEM) office in Henry County, confirmed to Recorded Future News.
Mozilla fixed the security flaws in Firefox 124.0.1 and Firefox ESR 115.9.1 to block potential remote code execution attacks targeting unpatched web browsers on desktop devices.
Iran-aligned threat actor TA450 is using fake salary, compensation and financial incentive emails to trick Israeli employees at multi-national organizations into clicking malicious links, according to researchers at security firm Proofpoint.
PuTTY is a very popular SSH and Telnet client for Windows used by IT admins for years. The threat actor bought an ad that claims to be the PuTTY homepage and appeared at the top of the Google search results page, right before the official website.
While the company didn't initially mention that CVE-2023-48788 was being used in attacks, it has since silently updated the advisory to say that the "vulnerability is exploited in the wild."
The joint advisory from the CISA, the FBI, and the MS-ISAC, highlighted three main types of DDoS attacks public sector entities must be prepared for, including Volume-based attacks, Protocol-based attacks, and Application layer-based attacks.
Researchers disclosed vulnerabilities today that impact 3 million Saflok electronic RFID locks deployed in 13,000 hotels and homes worldwide, allowing the researchers to easily unlock any door in a hotel by forging a pair of keycards.
The WINELOADER backdoor used in recent cyber attacks targeting diplomatic entities with wine-tasting phishing lures has been attributed as the handiwork of a hacking group with links to Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR), which was responsible for breaching SolarWinds and Microsoft. The findings come from Mandiant, which said Midnight Blizzard (aka APT29, BlueBravo, or
Source: www.darkreading.com – Author: Jai Vijayan, Contributing Writer Source: Renidan via Alamy Stock Photo Researchers have uncovered a more dangerous and prolific version of the wiper malware used by Russian military intelligence to disrupt satellite broadband service in Ukraine just prior to Russia’s show more ...
invasion of the country in February 2022. The new variant, “AcidPour,” bears […] La entrada Russian APT Releases More Deadly Variant of AcidRain Wiper Malware – Source: www.darkreading.com se publicó primero en CISO2CISO.COM & CYBER SECURITY GROUP.
Source: news.sophos.com – Author: Byron Price Events included Scalextric races, crazy golf, a shooting range, penalty shootout, curling, and basketball, with pastries and lunch provided to fuel the action. The day culminated in a tug-of-war competition, a charity ‘scavenger hunt’, and ‘pub quiz’ with show more ...
medals and Easter eggs awarded to winners of the day’s various […] La entrada Sports Day Scores a Hit – Source: news.sophos.com se publicó primero en CISO2CISO.COM & CYBER SECURITY GROUP.
Source: heimdalsecurity.com – Author: Cristian Neagu Running a managed service provider (MSP) business is hugely rewarding. MSPs give their customers the tools to be productive. They help solve problems so clients can achieve great things. And owning your own company means you decide what kind of work you want show more ...
to do. But it’s not all […] La entrada What Are the Top 10 MSP Challenges Today? (And Help Beating Them) – Source: heimdalsecurity.com se publicó primero en CISO2CISO.COM & CYBER SECURITY GROUP.
Source: heimdalsecurity.com – Author: Cristian Neagu Getting the right pricing model can be make or break for a managed service provider or an MSSP. Whether you’re just starting, or you’re eyeing up the next stage of your growth journey – the way you’re pricing your managed services will make a huge show more ...
difference to your business goals. […] La entrada MSP Pricing: The Complete Guide – Source: heimdalsecurity.com se publicó primero en CISO2CISO.COM & CYBER SECURITY GROUP.
Source: heimdalsecurity.com – Author: Gabriella Antal Last updated on March 15, 2024 An information security policy template serves as a comprehensive guide for organizations aiming to fortify their defenses against information breaches and cyber-attacks. It encompasses key areas such as purpose and objectives, show more ...
authority, scope, organizational security management, functional responsibilities, and much more. Recognizing the […] La entrada [Free & Downloadable] Information Security Policy Template – 2024 – Source: heimdalsecurity.com se publicó primero en CISO2CISO.COM & CYBER SECURITY GROUP.
Source: www.bleepingcomputer.com – Author: Sergiu Gatlan Microsoft has released emergency out-of-band (OOB) updates to fix a known issue causing Windows domain controllers to crash after installing the March 2024 Windows Server security updates. As reported by BleepingComputer on Wednesday, many system show more ...
administrators have warned since this month’s Patch Tuesday that servers are unexpectedly freezing and […] La entrada Microsoft releases emergency fix for Windows Server crashes – Source: www.bleepingcomputer.com se publicó primero en CISO2CISO.COM & CYBER SECURITY GROUP.
