Many different devices are vulnerable to cyber hackers, but some of the most common include:
Computers – Common computer systems like laptops and PCs are prime targets for hackers due to the vast amount of personal and sensitive information they contain, such as financial data, login credentials, and personal documents. Computer systems are particular targets of cyber attacks on a commercial and enterprise level, given the value of assets associated with them.
Mobile Devices – Mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets are also at risk of being hacked, as they often store sensitive information, including personal photos, messages, and emails. They can be particularly susceptible to hackers when using public Wi-Fi and shared networks.
IoT Devices – Internet of Things (IoT) devices such as smart home appliances, security cameras, and even medical devices are common targets for hackers. These devices are often poorly secured and typically hacked to gain access to personal information or even to control the device remotely.
Network Routers – Network routers, responsible for distributing Wi-Fi signals, are often targeted by hackers. Hacked routers provide a means to gain access to entire networks of devices, enabling hackers to access sensitive data and valuable digital assets.
ATM Machines – Bank ATMs are also vulnerable targets to hackers motivated by financial incentives, as many ATMs often operate on outdated software and may be connected to an unsecured network. Flaws in card reader technology can also be used as a means of cyber hacking.
Additional devices vulnerable to cyber hackers that are often overlooked are things like internet-connected security cameras and IP cameras, smart TVs and smart appliances, and even baby monitors. It's critical to acknowledge that any device connected to the Internet is potentially susceptible to hacking, so it's important to take necessary precautions to ensure your technology is protected with whatever means possible.
Effects and Impact of Hackers
Hackers can have significant effects and consequential impacts on individuals, businesses, and even entire countries, regions, and municipalities. Here are some of the most common effects of hacking at large.
Financial Loss – Hackers that breach bank accounts can steal money or commit fraud, leading to substantial financial loss for individuals or businesses. The damages hackers introduce to computer systems can also result in costly repairs.
Identity Theft – Hackers have been known to hijack sensitive personal information, such as birth dates, Social Security numbers, addresses, and credit card numbers, to maliciously commit various cyber crimes that fall under the category of identity theft.
Data Breaches – Data breaches are one of the most detrimental forms of hacking, especially when data gets leaked to malicious parties. With these attacks, hackers can gain unauthorised access to confidential or sensitive data, like financial records, medical records, or intellectual property.
Disruption of Services – In a hacked computer or network, the immediate outcome disrupts the normal function of websites, computer systems, or entire networks. Not only does this disrupt standard operations, but it can damage critical infrastructure.
Cyber Espionage – Hackers can steal valuable information, such as government data, confidential information, or sensitive trade secrets, to gain a competitive advantage with political interests and foreign affairs or by putting national security at risk.
Spread of Malware – The creation and distribution of malware, such as computer viruses or ransomware, are common ways for hackers to infect and damage computer systems, steal data, or demand ransom payments from organisations or individuals.
The impact of hackers can range from minor inconveniences to major disruptions. That's why individuals and organisations must take steps to prevent and mitigate the effects of hacking.
All-Time Historic Hacks
Although the sheer volume of hacking cases reaches the tens of thousands annually, a few monumental hacks stand out in history as the most damaging and impactful.
PlayStation Network Hack
Sony PlayStation's gaming network was hacked in 2011, resulting in an epic case that impacted 77 million consoles and almost a month-long shutdown on the gaming system's network. Although they never identified the hacker responsible for the data breach, Sony estimated $171 million in financial losses from the incident.
DoD and NASA Hacks
In 1999, a teenager hacked into NASA's computer networks and the Department of Defense (DoD). The hacker downloaded software from NASA that was valued at $1.7 million. While this historic hack against two of the most prominent U.S. governmental organisations had little damaging impact overall, the teenager's actions resulted in NASA's networks shutting down for three weeks.
Yahoo Data Breach
In 2013, Yahoo encountered two hacking incidents that resulted in one of the largest data breaches in history, impacting over 3 billion user accounts. The breach was executed by four Russian agents that were recruited through a hacker-for-hire scheme. While the breach affected billions of accounts, the biggest concern involved targeted attacks on high-profile U.S. Intelligence officials, opening the door to potential cyber espionage.
How to Prevent Hackers
There are many ways that individuals and organisations can effectively protect their digital assets from hackers. For individuals looking to prevent hackers from hacking personal computers and devices, several cybersecurity best practices can be employed.
Maintain strong, complex passwords – According to UC Santa Barbara Information Technology, the longer a password is, the better. Whenever possible, use at least 16 characters.
Set up multifactor authentication – In addition to a strong password, include a layer of security protection using two-factor or multifactor authentication.
Install antivirus and anti-malware software – Software programmes that detect and remove viruses and malware are essential in protecting your computer system and ensuring your data is safe.
Stay alert about suspicious emails – Avoid clicking questionable links or opening attachments to emails you don't recognise.
Minimise your online footprint – While not always applicable to certain individuals, reducing the amount of information available about you online can make you less of a target to hackers.
Avoid public Wi-Fi networks for personal or financial data – Never use public Wi-Fi to access sensitive personal accounts, like bank accounts, online wallets, or trade accounts where financial exchanges occur.
Backup your computer – Backing up your data is critical to quickly recovering in the instance hackers do succeed in hacking your computer.
Properly dispose of electronic devices – Make sure to properly erase and dispose of old computers and devices that may have contained personal information and login credentials.
For businesses, institutions, and governmental agencies, additional cyber security protocols should be leveraged to prevent hackers effectively.
Use firewall protection – Firewalls are a fundamental cybersecurity measure for businesses. They're the first line of defence in preventing unauthorised access to a network and alerting your team when any intrusion attempts occur.
Leverage encryption – Even if hackers successfully access an organisation's network, encryption can effectively prevent them from breaching or accessing any data.
Establish a dedicated insider threat role – In larger organisations, insider threats are a genuine concern. Creating a dedicated insider threat role can help unify teams to quickly identify, investigate, and respond to inside threats when they occur.
Conduct phishing simulations – Investing in phishing simulations enables teams to effectively test employees and help them understand how phishing attacks occur. These simulations are usually part of a more comprehensive cybersecurity awareness training programme.
Educate remote employees on cybersecurity policies – With remote and hybrid working dynamics now the new normal, employees working from home need as much awareness and understanding of cybersecurity best practices as those in the office.
Make employee privacy a high priority – Anonymise any data collected from employees for insider threat prevention and clearly communicate policies and guidelines about the organisation's cybersecurity standards.
Create a cybersecurity awareness training programme – Critical for all types of organisations, cybersecurity awareness training helps equip employees with the awareness and understanding to effectively identify potential threats and attacks.
Monitor user and file activity – Implementing the right user and file activity monitoring solution in an organisation's network is one of the most effective methods of hacker prevention.
For additional insights, see more cybersecurity best practices for businesses and complex organisations.
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