We tend to think of hackers as loners, but the reality is that cybercrime has evolved into an advanced and collaborative ecosystem. Hackers can have a variety of motives, from economic gain to political goals. Knowing what hackers are looking for will help you anticipate attacks and create systems to protect your small enterprises.
Some hackers use their skills to their advantage, identifying security holes and bringing them to light so they can be fixed. These are known as white hat hackers, and they are usually paid by the companies they work for to conduct penetration tests. Other hackers have more criminal motives, including stealing personal information for credit card fraud or identity theft or using viruses to generate unauthorised charges or cause attacks on service (which cause devices to be shut down).
A strong password is the first line of defense in the fight against hackers. Adding two-factor authentication to sites like banking and social media can also increase your security. Encrypting your hard drive is another simple way to block hackers from gaining access to your sensitive data even if they manage to break into your device. Update your operating system, browsers and important apps regularly. Most devices will automatically update, which can close vulnerabilities in software that could otherwise allow hackers to view and steal information.
We live in a time that is constantly connected to our smartphones, computers and tablets. It’s tempting to relax and share too much information online, but that’s what hackers are after. Beware of shopping on public Wi-Fi and login to personal accounts. Also be sure to keep a separate account open all the time.
