hacking

Infecting devices with malware Hackers may infiltrate a user’s device to install malware. More likely, they will target potential victims via email, instant messages and websites with downloadable content or peer-to-peer networks. Exploiting insecure wireless networks Rather than using malicious code to infiltrate someone’s computer, hackers may simply take advantage of open wireless networks. Not everyone secures their router, and this can be exploited by hackers driving around looking for open, unsecured wireless connection. This is an activity known as wardriving. Once hackers are connected to the unsecured network, they only need to bypass basic security to gain access to devices connected to that network. Gaining backdoor access Hackers may create programs that search for unprotected pathways into network systems and computers. Hackers may gain backdoor access by infecting a computer or system with a Trojan horse, created by hackers to acquire and steal important data without the victim noticing. Spying on emails Hackers can create code which allows them to intercept and read emails. Most email programs today use encryption formulas which mean that even if hackers intercept a message, they can't read it. Logging keystrokes Some programs allow hackers to track every keystroke a computer user makes. Once installed on a victim's computer, the programs record each keystroke, giving the hacker everything they need to infiltrate a system or steal someone’s identity. Creating zombie computers A zombie computer, or bot, is a computer that a hacker can use to send spam or commit Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks. After a victim executes a seemingly innocent code, a connection opens between their computer and the hacker's system. The hacker can then secretly control the victim’s computer, using it to commit crimes or spread spam. What damage can hackers do? Cybersecurity hacking can cause real havoc. Whatever technique hackers use, once they have gained access to your data or devices, they can: Steal your money and open credit card and bank accounts in your name Destroy your credit rating Request new account Personal Identification Numbers (PINs) or additional credit cards Make purchases on your behalf Add themselves or an alias that they control as an authorized user so it’s easier to use your credit Obtain cash advances Use and abuse your Social Security number Sell your information to others who will use it for malicious purposes Delete or damage important files on your computer Obtain sensitive personal information and share it, or threaten to share it, publicly Protect Yourself from Hackers Ensure your devices are protected with Kaspersky Premium to block hackers, malware, ransomware, spy apps, and the latest cyber threats. Try Premium for Free Why do people hack? Who are hackers and why do they hack? Motivations for hacking vary. Some of the most common include: Money The biggest motivation is often financial gain. Hackers can make money by stealing your passwords, accessing your bank or credit card details, holding your information to ransom, or selling your data to other hackers or on the dark web. Corporate espionage Sometimes, hackers are motivated by stealing trade secrets from competitor companies. Corporate espionage is a form of hacking designed to access classified data or intellectual property in order to gain a competitive advantage over corporate rivals.