Hackers have been attacking computer networks for years. Unfortunately, in the cyber world, it often happens to smaller businesses and those who cannot afford advanced security measures. When hackers and scammers attack computer systems, it directly affects not just the company s finances and bottom line, but the integrity of the entire market. Hackers and other Internet criminals can shut down a company s network or even carry out a complete shutdown of a country s entire economy. The impact on a small business is often far worse than on a larger corporation. A nation s economy can grind to a halt, and in some cases, entire cities have been devastated.
One of the reasons why cyber criminals target smaller organizations is because they are easier to get in touch with. Cyber criminals use lists of email addresses and other personal information to build up large personal databases that serve as their “bait” for getting unsuspecting victims to input their credit card information, personal data, and other confidential information into their malicious networks. Because of the lack of public Internet connection and security, this kind of hacking takes place almost anywhere that has computers, including the majority of restaurant businesses, retail stores, banks, hospitals, malls, and other places of business.
When hackers attack businesses, they typically use a remote access program (RAS) to break through layers of security that guard against unauthorized access to a company’s computer system. Remote access programs are typically controlled remotely, making them virtually impossible to detect. Once the hackers have gained access, the dark web typically contains many different threats. Hackers can use malicious software to delete or modify important files, corrupt computer applications, and perform other activities that can cause significant financial and/or personal damage. Companies that have been the victim of a cyber attack should work closely with an experienced data security consultant to ensure that their network is not vulnerable to further attacks.
Another type of cyber attack that may be more common than many think is spear phishing attacks. Spear phishing attacks are usually carried out by attackers who disguise themselves as legitimate businesses before sending out an unauthorized email message to a recipient who is using a valid email address to sign up for certain services or applications online. A fake security alert message is usually sent out as a scare tactic and will ask for sensitive information such as passwords and credit card numbers. Once, the hackers to gain access to these private details they can use the information to make purchases or transfer money.
One of the most common ways in which cyber criminals hack into a company’s computer is by using the stolen passwords and user names to access vital computer systems. Many of the stolen passwords and user names used by employees are actually used by the hackers themselves to access the company’s critical information. A good example is the common password of “123456” which has become the favorite password for many websites. When a cyber-criminal uses this kind of password he can access company networks and confidential information.
The most widespread way in which hackers gain access to a company’s network is through a process called “cyberflashing”. A hacker targets a business or government agency and sends fake security alerts or malware to its computer networks. The malware is so real that the computer system of the target will falsely warn it that there is an actual intrusion and need to install antivirus programs. Once the antivirus program is installed the hackers to gain access to bank accounts, confidential documents, and other personal data stored on the computers.