Hacking means compromising computers, smartphones, tablets, and applications using technological means. They also use social engineering skills to trick the user into clicking on malicious content, thereby providing personal data, and then they commit a cybercrime.
The majority of the computer literate’s thinks they are not susceptible to social engineering or other cyberattacks but the truth is that majority of the intelligent get caught up in online scams.
Few hacking techniques include (a)Botnets (b) Browser hijacks (c) Denial of service (DDoS) attacks (d) Denial of service – DOS (e) Ransomware (f) Root-kits (g) Trojans (h) Viruses (i) Worms
There are two types of hackers (a) Black hat – Steals valuable information for malicious reasons. (b) White hat – They strive to improve the security of an organization’s security systems. (c) Grey hat – Hacker sometimes violate laws ethical standards but does not have malicious intent.
Categories of Hackers :
Bank robber – Sole purpose to steal money from victims
Nation/State – Creates malicious back doors for cyber warfare purposes
Professional hacking group for hire – Expert hackers develop malware to steal for a fee
Rogue gamer – Specialised hackers for Gaming Industry
Crypto Jackers – For mining cryptocurrencies
Hacktivists – Political or Corporate Propaganda
Botnet masters – Create bots for command-and-control (C&C) servers
Adware spammer – Redirecting your browser to an alternate site
Thrill hacker – Sole Motive to break laws of the land.
Accidental hacker – Has no intention to hack unethically, just do for testing.
Zero Click Attack :
Technology moved on from regular phishing to spear-phishing methods where scammers used to send text links or messages, leading to a malware installation in your gadgets, while a zero-click attack helps spyware/malware to gain control over a device without any human interaction.
These attacks are hard to detect given their nature, they function only when the system is idle and it becomes more challenging because, in encrypted environments, there is zero visibility on the data packets used while sending or receiving.
Spot the unusual behaviour :
You get a ransomware message asking for bitcoins to be transferred
You have unwanted toolbars on your browser
Your internet searches are redirected
Your Phone turns on/off phone by itself.
Your phone and social media accounts are getting random popups
Your friends receive invitations/ recommendations from you that you didn’t send
Noticed unexpected software installations on your devices
Task Manager, Anti-Virus Software or Registry Editor is disabled
Money is deducted from your account
Online Subscriptions being made without your intervention
Your friend has notified that you have been sending odd messages
Virtual Private Network – VPN keeps all data that you send and receive on your phone encrypted, private, and secure.
Browsers – Use Privacy Conscious Browsers as TOR, Firefox Focus or Duck Duck Go. You may use browses in incognito mode as well.
Be wary of Unknown Sources – Download Apps only from legitimate sources i.e., App Store / Play Store. Never install programs using APK and DMZ files.
Applications – Download applications and software from legitimate sources only
Check app permissions – Look for an alternative application that takes your privacy more seriously.
Use PIN / Finger Scan – Locking your phone prevents random strangers from being able to get into it and keeps your data private.
Short Links – Never click on the short links or forms even its been sent by a known contact,
Public and Free Wi-fi networks – Stay away from Free Public and Wi-Fi hotspots, they are more desirable for hackers as they may not be secure.
Two-factor authentication (2FA) – It is referred to as dual-factor authentication, the 1st factor is the password credentials and the 2nd factor is either a security token or an OTP Number
Screen Notification – Disable lock screen notifications on your smartphone.
End-to-end encrypted Messengers – The information will be transmitted using a secret code rather than insecure plain text between the sender and receiver which is utmost importance as privacy to safeguarded
Child Protection – Enable Parental Control, Safe Search, and Play It Safe features on children’s electronic gadgets.
Storage – Never use public storage for private information purposes, use legitimate cloud locations to store data that are encrypted and properly protected
Antivirus / Malware – Use Original antivirus / malware software’s that protects you from unknown dangers.
Charging – Never charge your phones in public places, you could be a victim to phishing or juice jacking
QR Code – Never Scan QR Code, unless you are sure what it is meant for.