20 Secrets Hackers Don’t Want You To Know

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written by craig beam posted on December 19, 2021

With the ever-increasing number of cyberattacks, it feels like there are hackers in every corner waiting to steal your data and make a profit at your expense. Shockingly, 2020 broke all records in cybercrime cases, and the FBI recorded an increase for the fifth time in a row. The total amount stolen was approximately $4.2 billion. That’s why you need to be fully alert to all the tactics cyberattackers use to gain access to your network. Read on as we go through the top secrets hackers don’t want you to know.

New Doesn’t Always Mean Better

You are often at ease when you have a new security system. However, it’s impossible to figure out what kind of bugs or glitches your security software has when dealing with something new until it’s confronted with an unforeseen challenge. This gives cyberattacks a chance to see your security protocol before fixing the issues.

They Might Have Worked for the Company They Target

Note that cybercriminals are programmers and IT experts. They mostly spend years learning the possible security weaknesses of an enterprise they worked for in the past. These hackers use the knowledge they gain to their criminal advantage.

Cyberattackers Want You to Believe You Are Safe

If you think your network is safe, you might not be wary of any suspicious activity on your security system. Moreover, you won’t be ready to invest in cybersecurity precautions. Hackers look for those lapses in judgment to get into your system or appear to be friendly in an attempt to steal your data.

They Want You to be Lazy

You could be making yourself an easy target by using similar passwords on all websites or allowing certain applications like Google to save your passwords. This makes it easier for hackers to infiltrate your system. Ensure that you have a unique password for all sites you log into and if you have to use password manager, make sure your details aren’t stored on the web.

Hackers Love Looking at Your Pictures

As you focus on taking cute pics of your child and unboxing your new gadgets, hackers quietly study all the details in your pictures. Cybercriminals look for details such as shipping information, important notes, and more in your photos. Before posting anything personal, always look closely for any background details hackers can use to compromise your security.

They Take into Account All Possible Weaknesses in Your Network

You most likely emphasize creating strong passwords on your accounts, but you forget some devices such as your router. In case you still use the same old password on your router, this is a loophole that hackers can use to access your system.

Hackers Are Patient

The bad guys have several programs that test multiple passwords. They keep testing a password combination after another. That’s why you should consider using a passphrase. Include special numbers, characters, and upper and lower case letters.

They Take Advantage of Online Shopping

Businesses will always promise you that their sites are secure. And while this is true, note that cybercrimes happen anywhere and anytime. Therefore, always use highly secure sites while doing online shopping.

Hackers Eavesdrop on Free Public Networks

Never put your full trust in a public Wi-Fi network while accessing bank accounts or sites with personal details, even if the network seems legitimate. Cyberattackers can snoop on your online session between the hotpot and your device.

They Sneak While You Surf

The bad guys wait for you to log into a website so that they sneak in. They then redirect you to malicious sites. Therefore, even if some websites look harmless, always ensure that they are secure.

They Love Your Bluetooth Headset

In case you have a habit of leaving your Bluetooth function enabled, this is a significant risk. Cybercriminals have the expertise to connect to your device and steal sensitive data.

Hackers Send Incredibly Personal Emails

Hackers are good at sending targeted emails to unsuspecting individuals to share personal details like passwords and financial details. Today, these emails don’t have typos and hackers can even go ahead and call you by name and even use your professional title.

They Crack Your Password on Easy Sites

Hackers look for a soft target like a hiking forum, then use a similar password on your email account. If it works, they will try looking for emails from a bank and use the same password to access your bank account.

Your Router Isn’t Secure

Password rules should also apply to your router. Use sophisticated passwords like the one you use for banking details. Create a Wi-Fi guest network with a different password when you have visitors.

Hackers Will Always Try to Trick You

Hackers can send you a message pretending to be the HR or your manager, asking for personal details. Don’t fall for such tricks. Always confirm with the sender if they sent the message before sending such information.

Your Smart Appliances are Unsafe

Several items in most homes are smart devices, and people enjoy controlling them with their voices. However, hackers can access your entire network in case of a single compromise on one device. Whenever possible, make sure you enable 2-factor authentication to prevent security breaches.

They Impersonate Buyers

Online marketplaces are convenient, but hackers also take advantage of these services. They offer payments via checks, send more money than the item’s price, and ask for the overpayment. The check then bounces, so you’ll have to Pay for the items sold and the money you sent.

Hackers Take Advantage of Typos

Hackers design slightly altered URL sites almost similar to the one you intend to visit. These sites can install malware on your device or steal your data. Before logging in, always confirm the website address, especially when the home page looks different.

They Love It When You Have Many Gadgets

Your home most likely has several smart interconnected devices, and cybercriminals love that. Hackers wait for you to leave your Bluetooth open to provide a network for them to steal your data.

Hackers Fool You Using Bogus Software Updates

Software updates are essential for better protection. Hackers know this, so they send fake updates that install harmful programs on your system.

Get Better Network Security from MicroXpress Inc. in Central Pennsylvania

This piece highlights hackers’ tactics to access your system and obtain your data. Note that cybercriminals can hack into anything, so you have to take the necessary measure to keep them at bay.

If your organization is in Central Pennsylvania, MicroXpress Inc. can help you out. We have highly skilled IT professionals who can offer you network security, offsite backup, network administration, and helpdesk services. Contact MicroXpress for more details about our IT services.

Thanks to CTI Technology in Chicago for their help with this article

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