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In this article, there is a section that I find helpful to prevent and protect yourself from hacking. This starts off by saying that you should be cautious when entering chat rooms, posting personal information, monitoring requests by online "friends", don't share financial information in online conversations, be careful when you meet a friend online. The article also looks into ways to prevent being hacked and that starts with using a 2-way firewall, updating operating systems, increasing security settings, avoiding suspect websites, and only downloading things from sites you trust.
The dangers of hacking and what a Hacker. Webroot. (n.d.). Retrieved May 2, 2022, from https://www.webroot.com/us/en/resources/tips-articles/computer-security-threats-hackers

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How Hackers Operate and How to Protect Yourself

People, not computers, create computer threats. Computer predators victimize others for their own gain. Give a predator access to the Internet - and to your PC - and the threat they pose to your security increases exponentially. Computer hackers are unauthorized users who break into computer systems in order to steal, change or destroy information, often by installing dangerous malware without your knowledge or consent. Their clever tactics and detailed technical knowledge help them access the information you really don't want them to have.

How can hackers find me?

Anyone who uses a computer connected to the Internet is susceptible to the threats that computer hackers and online predators pose. These online villains typically use phishing scams, spam email or instant messages and bogus websites to deliver dangerous malware to your computer and compromise your computer security.

Computer hackers can also try to access your computer and private information directly if you are not protected by a firewall. They can monitor your conversations or peruse the back-end of your personal website. Usually disguised with a bogus identity, predators can lure you into revealing sensitive personal and financial information, or much worse.

What are things that a hacker can do to me?

While your computer is connected to the Internet, the malware a hacker has installed on your PC quietly transmits your personal and financial information without your knowledge or consent. Or, a computer predator may pounce on the private information you unwittingly revealed. In either case, they will be able to:

Hijack your usernames and passwords

Steal your money and open credit card and bank accounts in your name

Ruin your credit

Request new account Personal Identification Numbers (PINs) or additional credit cards

Make purchases

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 other parties who will use it for illicit or illegal purposes

Predators who stalk people while online can pose a serious physical threat. Using extreme caution when agreeing to meet an online "friend" or acquaintance in person is always the best way to keep safe.

How will I know if I've been hacked?

Check the accuracy of your personal accounts, credit cards and documents. Are there unexplained transactions? Questionable or unauthorized changes? If so, dangerous malware installed by predators or hackers might be the cause.

What can I do about computer hackers and predators?

When you arm yourself with information and resources, you're wiser about computer security threats and less vulnerable to threat tactics. Hackers and predators pose equally serious and but very different threats.

Protect yourself while online

Continually check the accuracy of personal accounts and deal with any discrepancies right away

Use extreme caution when entering chat rooms or posting personal Web pages

Limit the personal information you post on a personal Web pages

Carefully monitor requests by online "friends" or acquaintances for predatory behavior

Keep personal and financial information out of online conversations

Use extreme caution when agreeing to meet an online "friend" or acquaintance in person

Security Tips to Prevent Hacking

Use a 2-way firewall

Update your operating system regularly

Increase your browser security settings

Avoid questionable Web sites

Only download software from sites you trust. Carefully evaluate free software and file-sharing applications before downloading them.

Practice safe email and virus/malware protocols

Don't open messages from unknown senders

Immediately delete messages you suspect to be spam

Make sure that you have the best security software products installed on your PC:

Use antivirus protection

Get antispyware software protection

Guard Yourself Against Dangerous Online Threats

An unprotected computer is like an open door for computer hackers and predators. To take it a step further, protect your computer from hackers by using a spam filter or gateway to scan inbound email or instant messages. Products like Webroot AntiVirus and Webroot Internet Security Complete thwart dangerous malware before it can enter your PC, stand guard at every possible entrance of your computer and fend off any spyware or viruses that try to enter, even the most damaging and devious strains. While free anti-spyware and antivirus downloads are available, they just can't keep up with the continuous onslaught of new malware strains. Previously undetected forms of malware can often do the most damage, so it's critical to have up-to-the-minute, guaranteed protection.

Webroot offers complete, cloud-based protection from viruses and identity theft for all your devices, without slowing you down. Click the link to learn more about all of our internet security solutions for the home.

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The Dangers of Hacking and What a Hacker

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Computer hackers are unauthorized users who break into computer systems in order to steal, change or destroy information. This article will discuss how computer hackers and predators operate and how to protect yourself.

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https://usa.kaspersky.com/resource-center/threats/what-is-cybercrime

This article is based on the protection aspect of cyber theft and fraud. This article gives tips on how to prevent it from happening to you and gives basic definitions on what certain types are. It is a very good tool for people who don't know a lot about the internet and are starting to use it.

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Are you concerned about cybercrime? Understanding exactly what cybercrime is, the different types, and how to protect yourself from it will help put your mind at rest.

This article explores cybercrime in depth so that you know exactly what threats you need to protect yourself against to stay safe online. We discuss:

What cybercrime is.

Types of cybercrime.

What counts as cybercrime with examples.

How to protect yourself against cybercrime.

What is cybercrime?

Cybercrime is criminal activity that either targets or uses a computer, a computer network or a networked device.

Most, but not all, cybercrime is committed by cybercriminals or hackers who want to make money. Cybercrime is carried out by individuals or organizations.

Some cybercriminals are organized, use advanced techniques and are highly technically skilled. Others are novice hackers.

Rarely, cybercrime aims to damage computers for reasons other than profit. These could be political or personal.

Types of cybercrime

Here are some specific examples of the different types of cybercrime:

Email and internet fraud.

Identity fraud (where personal information is stolen and used).

Theft of financial or card payment data.

Theft and sale of corporate data.

Cyberextortion (demanding money to prevent a threatened attack).

Ransomware attacks (a type of cyberextortion).

Cryptojacking (where hackers mine cryptocurrency using resources they do not own).

Cyberespionage (where hackers access government or company data).

Most cybercrime falls under two main categories:

Criminal activity that targets

Criminal activity that uses computers to commit other crimes.

Cybercrime that targets computers often involves viruses and other types of malware.

Cybercriminals may infect computers with viruses and malware to damage devices or stop them working. They may also use malware to delete or steal data.

Cybercrime that stops users using a machine or network, or prevents a business providing a software service to its customers, is called a Denial-of-Service (DoS) attack.

Cybercrime that uses computers to commit other crimes may involve using computers or networks to spread malware, illegal information or illegal images.

Sometimes cybercriminals conduct both categories of cybercrime at once. They may target computers with viruses first. Then, use them to spread malware to other machines or throughout a network.

Cybercriminals may also carry out what is known as a Distributed-Denial-of-Service (DDos) attack. This is similar to a DoS attack but cybercriminals use numerous compromised computers to carry it out.

The US Department of Justice recognizes a third category of cybercrime which is where a computer is used as an accessory to crime. An example of this is using a computer to store stolen data.

The US has signed the European Convention of Cybercrime. The convention casts a wide net and there are numerous malicious computer-related crimes which it considers cybercrime. For example:

Illegally intercepting or stealing data.

Interfering with systems in a way that compromises a network.

Infringing copyright.

Illegal gambling.

Selling illegal items online.

Soliciting, producing or possessing child pornography.

Examples of cybercrime

So, what exactly counts as cybercrime? And are there any well-known examples?

In this section, we look at famous examples of different types of cybercrime attack used by cybercriminals. Read on to understand what counts as cybercrime.

Malware attacks

A malware attack is where a computer system or network is infected with a computer virus or other type of malware.

A computer compromised by malware could be used by cybercriminals for several purposes. These include stealing confidential data, using the computer to carry out other criminal acts, or causing damage to data.

A famous example of a malware attack is the WannaCry ransomware attack, a global cybercrime committed in May 2017.

Ransomware is a type of malware used to extort money by holding the victim's data or device to ransom. WannaCry is type of ransomware which targeted a vulnerability in computers running Microsoft Windows.

When the WannaCry ransomware attack hit, 230,000 computers were affected across 150 countries. Users were locked out of their files and sent a message demanding that they pay a BitCoin ransom to regain access.

Worldwide, the WannaCry cybercrime is estimated to have caused $4 billion in financial losses.

Phishing

A phishing campaign is when spam emails, or other forms of communication, are sent en masse, with the intention of tricking recipients into doing something that undermines their security or the security of the organization they work for.

Phishing campaign messages may contain infected attachments or links to malicious sites. Or they may ask the receiver to respond with confidential information

A famous example of a phishing scam from 2018 was one which took place over the World Cup. According to reports by Inc, the World Cup phishing scam involved emails that were sent to football fans.

These spam emails tried to entice fans with fake free trips to Moscow, where the World Cup was being hosted. People who opened and clicked on the links contained in these emails had their personal data stolen.

Another type of phishing campaign is known as spear-phishing. These are targeted phishing campaigns which try to trick specific individuals into jeopardizing the security of the organization they work for.

Unlike mass phishing campaigns, which are very general in style, spear-phishing messages are typically crafted to look like messages from a trusted source. For example, they are made to look like they have come from the CEO or the IT manager. They may not contain any visual clues that they are fake.

Distributed DoS attacks

Distributed DoS attacks (DDoS) are a type of cybercrime attack that cybercriminals use to bring down a system or network. Sometimes connected IoT (internet of things) devices are used to launch DDoS attacks.

A DDoS attack overwhelms a system by using one of the standard communication protocols it uses to spam the system with connection requests.

Cybercriminals who are carrying out cyberextortion may use the threat of a DDoS attack to demand money. Alternatively, a DDoS may be used as a distraction tactic while other type of cybercrime takes place.

A famous example of this type of attack is the 2017 DDoS attack on the UK National Lottery website. This brought the lottery's website and mobile app offline, preventing UK citizens from playing.

How to protect yourself against cybercrime

So, now you understand the threat cybercrime represents, what are the best ways to protect your computer and your personal data? Here are our top tips:

Keep software and operating system updated

Keeping your software and operating system up to date ensures that you benefit from the latest security patches to protect your computer.

Use anti-virus software and keep it updated

Using anti-virus or a comprehensive internet security solution like Kaspersky Total Security is a smart way to protect your system from attacks.

Anti-virus software allows you to scan, detect and remove threats before they become a problem. Having this protection in place helps to protect your computer and your data from cybercrime, giving you piece of mind.

If you use anti-virus software, make sure you keep it updated to get the best level of protection.

Use strong passwords

Be sure to use strong passwords that people will not guess and do not record them anywhere. Or use a reputable password manager to generate strong passwords randomly to make this easier.

Never open attachments in spam emails

A classic way that computers get infected by malware attacks and other forms of cybercrime is via email attachments in spam emails. Never open an attachment from a sender you do not know.

Do not click on links in spam emails or untrusted websites

Another way people become victims of cybercrime is by clicking on links in spam emails or other messages, or unfamiliar websites. Avoid doing this to stay safe online.

Do not give out personal information unless secure

Never give out personal data over the phone or via email unless you are completely sure the line or email is secure. Make certain that you are speaking to the person you think you are.

Contact companies directly about suspicious requests

If you get asked for data from a company who has called you, hang up. Call them back using the number on their official website to ensure you are speaking to them and not a cybercriminal.

Ideally, use a different phone because cybercriminals can hold the line open. When you think you've re-dialed, they can pretend to be from the bank or other organization that you think you're speaking to.

Be mindful of which website URLs you visit

Keep an eye on the URLs you are clicking on. Do they look legitimate? Avoid clicking on links with unfamiliar or spammy looking URLs.

If your internet security product includes functionality to secure online transactions, ensure it is enabled before carrying out financial transactions online.

Keep an eye on your bank statements

Our tips should help you avoid falling foul of cybercrime. However, if all else fails, spotting that you have become a victim of cybercrime quickly is important.

Keep an eye on your bank statements and query any unfamiliar transactions with the bank. The bank can investigate whether they are fraudulent.

Now you understand the threat of cybercrime, protect yourself from it. Learn more about Kaspersky Total Security.

Tips on how to protect yourself against cybercrime

Learn what cybercrime is. We define cybercrime, explain what counts as cybercrime, and tell you how to protect yourself against it.

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Tips on how to protect yourself against cybercrime

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Are you concerned about cybercrime? Understanding exactly what cybercrime is, the different types, and how to protect yourself from it will help put your mind at rest. This article explores cybercrime in depth so that you know exactly what threats you need to protect yourself against to stay safe online.

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https://www.iii.org/fact-statistic/facts-statistics-identity-theft-and-cybercrime

This article talks about the statistics on cyber theft and fraud. It identifies the complaints that are commonly reported when people are reporting a crime that is related to cyber fraud or theft.

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Facts + Statistics: Identity theft and cybercrime | III

Key Facts

According to The Identity Theft Research Center (ITRC) Annual Data Breach Report, 2023 had a record high number of data compromises in the U.S. in a single year. A 72 percentage point hike from the previous all-time high number of compromises set in 2021. At least 353 million individuals were impacted.

According to the FBI's Internet Crime Report 2023, 880,418 complaints of cyber-crime were reported to the FBI by the public, a 10 percent increase from 2022. The potential total loss increased to $12.5 billion in 2023, up from $10.3 billion in 2022. California, Texas, and Florida had the highest number of cybercrime victims.

The Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) Consumer Sentinel Network took in over 5.39 million reports in 2023, of which 48 percent were for fraud and 19 percent for identity theft. Credit card fraud accounted for 40.2 percent of identify thefts, followed by miscellaneous identity theft at 25.1 percent, which includes online shopping and payment account fraud, email and social media fraud, and other identity theft. Georgia, Florida, and Nevada had the most identity theft reports.

Identity theft and fraud complaints

Identity Theft And Fraud Reports, 2019-2023 (1)

See also the Identity Theft section of our website Click here.

Cybercrime

Additional resources

Back to top

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Facts + Statistics: Identity theft and cybercrime

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Facts + Statistics: Identity theft and cybercrime | III According to The Identity Theft Research Center (ITRC) Annual Data Breach Report, 2023 had a record high number of data compromises in the U.S. in a single year. A 72 percentage point hike from the previous all-time high number of compromises set in 2021.

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https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/wealth/insure/other-risk-covers/do-you-need-to-get-a-personal-cyber-insurance-policy/articleshow/91031424.cms

This article talks about how the future crimes of the world are online internet crimes, and due to that the world should start adopting cyber insurance in case something gets stolen or taken from you through the internet.

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Getty Images

As Covid has taken root in the country in the past two years, so has cyber crime, especially after people started working from home. Cyber security incidents jumped to 14.02 lakh in 2021, from 2.08 lakh in 2018, according to CERT-In. Meanwhile, the losses due to cyber crime-ATM/debit card, credit card and Internet banking fraud-were estimated at Rs 63.4 crore in 2020-21, as per the data published by private and public banks.

Even as corporates have rushed to pick cyber covers, the focus on personal insurance has increased only after insurance regulator, Irdai, listed guidelines for the same in September last year. Unlike corporate covers that are provided by most insurers, very few companies currently offer personal or individual cyber insurance. Some of these include HDFC Ergo General Insurance, Bajaj Allianz General Insurance, ICICI Lombard General Insurance, Future Generali India Insurance, with several others in the process of bringing out products.

What protection does it offer?

"Cyber insurance, be it for individuals or businesses, essentially covers losses arising from any breach of data," says Evaa Saiwal, Practice Leader, Liability and Financial Risk, Policybazaar.com. For individuals, these could include phishing, identity theft, stalking, social media hacking, among others listed by Irdai (see Losses covered...).

"While large corporates generally have firewalls to check cyber attacks, it's not always possible in case of individuals," says T.A. Ramalingam, Chief Technical Officer, Bajaj Allianz General Insurance. Besides, many people are negligent in their online transactions, resulting in breaches and losses. Any costs incurred in combating the situation due to these cyber crimes are covered, including first party losses, regulatory action costs, crisis management and liability claims.

What is available?
The individual plans available currently insure some or all of the 11 Irdai-listed cyber crimes, and covers start from Rs 10,000, going up to Rs 5 crore. Most insurers also offer customisable plans, depending on the insured's risk exposure and budget, and one can choose the specific crimes that one wants covered. For an extra sum, you can also include IT consultation and psychiatric counselling.

Losses covered by personal plans
Irdai has outlined losses from these crimes that need to be covered.

Theft of funds: Covers loss due to cyber incident or hacking of bank account, credit/debit card and/or mobile wallets by a third party.

Cyber stalking/bullying: Covers expenses to prosecute the stalker.

Malware/ data restoration cost: Includes data restoration cost due to malware.

Phishing: Covers financial losses due to phishing attack, including expenses to prosecute perpetrators.

Cyber extortion: Provides protection for extortion loss due to cyber extortion threat; includes expenses to prosecute perpetrators.

Identity theft: Covers defence costs for claims against insured by third or affected party due to identity theft fraud. Includes expenses to prosecute perpetrators and transportation cost.

Media liability claims: Covers defence costs in third party claims due to defamation or invasion of privacy due to insured's publication or broadcasting of any digital media content.

Social media: Defence costs for claims against insured by third/affected party due to hacked social media account, including expenses to prosecute perpetrators and transportation cost.

Unauthorised online transaction: Covers fraudulent use of bank account, credit/debit card, e-wallet by third party to make online purchasing over the Internet.

E-mail spoofing: Covers financial losses due to spoofed e-mail attack; includes expenses to prosecute perpetrators.

Data breach and privacy breach: Covers defence costs and damages due to claims by third party for data breach and/or privacy breach.

The plans are renewed annually, cover multiple devices, and provide the option of including family, usually comprising parents and two children. HDFC Ergo's Cyber Sachet insurance also covers students, entrepreneurs, working professionals and shopaholics.
While some plans have sub-limits for specific cyber crimes within the plan, as well as deductibles, the newer plans are doing away with these limits. The policies also don't have waiting periods and anyone above 18 years of age can buy these, though some have an age limit of 21 years.

How much do you need?
"The cover size you need will depend on how much you have to lose, be it money, data, or bank account details. Combine all of these and then arrive at a number," says Saiwal. "If you are at high risk because you are actively engaged in monetary transactions online , you will require a higher cover," says Ramalingam.

What is the cost?
The premium for a `1 lakh cover for an individual can range from Rs 700 to Rs 3,000 a year. While the annual premium for a Rs 1 lakh plan for Bajaj Allianz Individual Cyber Safe Insurance policy is Rs 781; for ICICI Lombard Retail Cyber policy, it is Rs 2,708; and for HDFC Ergo Cyber Sachet plan for a working professional, it is Rs 984. It is important to not just consider the premium, but also sub-limits and cyber crimes covered before you pick a plan.

Cost of cyber insurance
Here's the premium that a 30-year-old man and an IT company in Delhi (with Indian jurisdiction) are likely to pay.

What is not covered?
The exclusions are the same for all plans and include losses incurred through cryptocurrency, gambling, fraudulent conduct or unauthorised collection of data, accessing restricted sites, cost of upgrading devices, among several others.

Making a claim
The plan comes into force from the time that the fraud is discovered and you will need to inform the insurer at the earliest, though there is no specified time frame for doing so. "You will also have to file an FIR and register it with the police cyber cell," says Ramalingam. You will have to furnish a large number of documents, ranging from police complaint, proof of reporting the crime to bank or relevant body, invoices for costs and fees incurred in safeguarding devices, preventing the crime and managing crisis, etc. The claim settlement process can take anywhere from 20 days to a few months. So if you are actively engaged in online financial transactions or have a large social media presence, it may be a good idea to pick a plan.

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Do you need to get a personal cyber insurance policy?

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As Covid has taken root in the country in the past two years, so has cyber crime, especially after people started working from home. Cyber security incidents jumped to 14.02 lakh in 2021, from 2.08 lakh in 2018, according to CERT-In.

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This tip sheet help explain to people what to do if they ever become victim of a cyber attack. Sometimes people do not have all or the right information to know what steps to take next. This will help people be able to combat the attack and prevent any more damage to happen. It goes over who to contact and the different agencies, as well as how to collect the evidence. It has a special section on identity theft that explains the correct actions to take after: change passwords, close compromised credit accounts, file a report, etc.

References:
What to Do If You Are a Victim of Cybercrime. https://staysafeonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/What-To-Do-If-You-Are-a-Victim-of-Cybercrime.pdf.

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I like to use this article as more of a way to explain the 3 different types of hackers. This site tells the readers what is hacking again and says "Hacking is the activity of identifying weaknesses in a computer system or a network to exploit the security to gain access to personal data or business data". This is about the same thing as stated in my previous blog.
Now what I really like about this website is the way in which it categorizes the 3 different hackers.
It starts with Ethical Hackers (White hat hackers) and defines them as "A security hacker who gains access to systems with a view to fic the identified weaknesses. They may also perform penetration Testing and Vulnerability assessments." This is saying that those that use hacking for good are considered White hat hackers.
Next would be Cracker (Black hat hackers) which defines as "A hacker who gains unauthorized access to computer systems for personal gain. The intent is usually to steal corporate data, violate privacy rights, transfer funds from bank accounts, etc." This is saying that those that use hacking for bad intentions and to hurt people and gain something for themselves.
The last hacker is the Grey hat hacker which is defined as "A hacker who is in between ethical and black hat hackers. He/she breaks into computer systems without authority with a view to identify weaknesses and reveal them to the system owner." What this means is that these are the hackers that do what white hat hackers do but without permission and are still technically breaking the law.
Williams, L. (2022, April 16). What is hacking? types of hackers: Introduction to cybercrime. Guru99. Retrieved April 25, 2022, from https://www.guru99.com/what-is-hacking-an-introduction.html

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Hacking is the activity of identifying weaknesses in a computer system or a network to exploit the security to gain access to personal data or business data. An example of computer hacking can be: using a password cracking algorithm to gain access to a computer system.

Computers have become mandatory to run a successful businesses. It is not enough to have isolated computers systems; they need to be networked to facilitate communication with external businesses. This exposes them to the outside world and hacking. System hacking means using computers to commit fraudulent acts such as fraud, privacy invasion, stealing corporate/personal data, etc. Cyber crimes cost many organizations millions of dollars every year. Businesses need to protect themselves against such attacks.

In this hacking tutorial, we will learn-

Before we learn hacking, let's look at the introduction of hacking and some of the most commonly used terminologies in the world of hacking.

Who is a Hacker?

A Hacker is a person who finds and exploits the weakness in computer systems and/or networks to gain access. Hackers are usually skilled computer programmers with knowledge of computer security.

Types of Hackers

Hackers are classified according to the intent of their actions. The following list classifies types of hackers according to their intent:

Ethical Hacker (White hat): A security hacker who gains access to systems with a view to fix the identified weaknesses. They may also perform penetration Testing and vulnerability assessments.

Introduction of Cybercrime

Cybercrime is the activity of using computers and networks to perform illegal activities like spreading computer viruses, online bullying, performing unauthorized electronic fund transfers, etc. Most cybercrime hacks are committed through the internet, and some cybercrimes are performed using Mobile phones via SMS and online chatting applications.

Type of Cybercrime

The following list presents the common types of cybercrimes:

Computer Fraud: Intentional deception for personal gain via the use of computer systems.

Privacy violation: Exposing personal information such as email addresses, phone number, account details, etc. on social media, hacking a websites, etc.

Identity Theft: Stealing personal information from somebody and impersonating that person.

Sharing copyrighted files/information: This involves distributing copyright protected files such as eBooks and computer programs etc.

Electronic funds transfer: This involves gaining an un-authorized access to bank computer networks and making illegal fund transfers.

Electronic money laundering: This involves the use of the computer to launder money.

ATM Fraud: This involves intercepting ATM card details such as account number and PIN numbers. These details are then used to withdraw funds from the intercepted accounts.

Denial of Service Attacks: This involves the use of computers in multiple locations to attack servers with a view of shutting them down.

Spam: Sending unauthorized emails. These emails usually contain advertisements.

What is Ethical Hacking?

Ethical Hacking is identifying weakness in computer systems and/or computer networks and coming with countermeasures that protect the weaknesses. Ethical hackers must abide by the following rules.

Get written permission from the owner of the computer system and/or computer network before hacking.

Protect the privacy of the organization been hacked.

Transparently report all the identified weaknesses in the computer system to the organization.

Inform hardware and software vendors of the identified weaknesses.

Why Ethical Hacking?

Information is one of the most valuable assets of an organization. Keeping information secure can protect an organization's image and save an organization a lot of money.

Fake hacking can lead to loss of business for organizations that deal in finance such as PayPal. Ethical hacking puts them a step ahead of the cyber criminals who would otherwise lead to loss of business.

Legality of Ethical Hacking

Ethical Hacking is legal if the hacker abides by the rules stipulated in the above section on the definition of ethical hacking. The International Council of E-Commerce Consultants (EC-Council) provides a certification program that tests individual's skills. Those who pass the examination are awarded with certificates. The certificates are supposed to be renewed after some time.

Summary

Hacking is identifying and exploiting weaknesses in computer systems and/or computer networks.

Cybercrime is committing a crime with the aid of computers and information technology infrastructure.

Ethical Hacking is about improving the security of computer systems and/or computer networks.

Ethical Hacking is legal.

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What is Hacking? Types of Hackers | Introduction to Cybercrime

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Hacking is the activity of identifying weaknesses in a computer system or a network to exploit the security to gain access to personal data or business data. An example of computer hacking can be: using a password cracking algorithm to gain access to a computer system.

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This articles discusses the reality of privacy. It also goes over what people really think about their data and information being so easily accessible and public. Many people think that it is impossible to go through their everyday life without having some of their information being collected by hackers, the government, social media websites, companies, etc. It also goes over privacy policies and whether or not people feel that the risk outweighs the rewards to having their information known. Also, the concern where there data is going after being collected or if they are hacked is a big concern, as many feel that no company or government would admit to misusing their data.
References:
Auxier, Brooke, et al. “Americans and Privacy: Concerned, Confused and Feeling Lack of Control over Their Personal Information.” Pew Research Center: Internet, Science & Tech, Pew Research Center, 17 Aug. 2020, https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2019/11/15/americans-and-privacy-concerned-confused-and-feeling-lack-of-control-over-their-personal-information/.

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Pew Research Center: Internet, Science & Tech

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For more recent findings on data privacy, read our 2023 report "How Americans View Data Privacy."
A majority of Americans believe their online and offline activities are being tracked and monitored by companies and the government with some regularity. It is such a common condition of modern life that roughly six-in-ten U.S. adults say they do not think it is possible to go through daily life without having data collected about them by companies or the government.

Data-driven products and services are often marketed with the potential to save users time and money or even lead to better health and well-being. Still, large shares of U.S. adults are not convinced they benefit from this system of widespread data gathering. Some 81% of the public say that the potential risks they face because of data collection by companies outweigh the benefits, and 66% say the same about government data collection. At the same time, a majority of Americans report being concerned about the way their data is being used by companies (79%) or the government (64%). Most also feel they have little or no control over how these entities use their personal information, according to a new survey of U.S. adults by Pew Research Center that explores how Americans feel about the state of privacy in the nation.

Americans' concerns about digital privacy extend to those who collect, store and use their personal information. Additionally, majorities of the public are not confident that corporations are good stewards of the data they collect. For example, 79% of Americans say they are not too or not at all confident that companies will admit mistakes and take responsibility if they misuse or compromise personal information, and 69% report having this same lack of confidence that firms will use their personal information in ways they will be comfortable with.

There is also a collective sentiment that data security is more elusive today than in the past. When asked whether they think their personal data is less secure, more secure or about the same as it was five years ago, 70% of adults say their personal data is less secure. Only 6% report that they believe their data is more secure today than it was in the past.

But even as the public expresses worry about various aspects of their digital privacy, many Americans acknowledge that they are not always diligent about paying attention to the privacy policies and terms of service they regularly encounter. Fully 97% of Americans say they are ever asked to approve privacy policies, yet only about one-in-five adults overall say they always (9%) or often (13%) read a company's privacy policy before agreeing to it. Some 38% of all adults maintain they sometimes read such policies, but 36% say they never read a company's privacy policy before agreeing to it.

Moreover, the practice of reading privacy policies doesn't necessarily guarantee thoroughness. Among adults who say they ever read privacy policies before agreeing to their terms and conditions, only a minority - 22% - say they read them all the way through before agreeing to their terms and conditions.

There is also a general lack of understanding about data privacy laws among the general public: 63% of Americans say they understand very little or nothing at all about the laws and regulations that are currently in place to protect their data privacy.

These findings point to an overall wariness about the state of privacy these days, but there are some circumstances where the public sees value in this type of data-driven environment. For example, pluralities of adults say it is acceptable for poorly performing schools to share data about their students with a nonprofit group seeking to help improve educational outcomes or for the government to collect data about all Americans to assess who might be a potential terrorist.

These findings come from a survey of 4,272 U.S. adults conducted on Pew Research Center's American Trends Panel between June 3-17, 2019.

Here are some of the key takeaways:

P revalence of tracking: 72% of Americans report feeling that all, almost all or most of what they do online or while using their cellphone is being tracked by advertisers, technology firms or other companies. Another 19% think some of what they do is being tracked. Close to half (47%) of adults believe at least most of their online activities are being tracked by the government.

When it comes to their offline behavior such as where they are or whom they talk with, 69% believe companies are tracking at least some of that activity. And 56% of Americans think the government is tracking at least some of their activities, like who they are talking to or their whereabouts.

Not feeling in control of personal data: Roughly eight-in-ten or more U.S. adults say they have very little or no control over the data that government (84%) or companies (81%) collect about them.

When it comes to different kinds of information, the picture varies by the specific type. While relatively few Americans feel as if they have a lot of control over who has access to everything from their physical location to their social media posts, there are experiences in which some Americans especially feel a lack of control. Roughly half of Americans (48%) say they feel as if they have no control over who can access the search terms they use, and 41% say the same about the websites they visit. By comparison, a smaller share of the public feels as if they do not have control over who can access their physical location.

Risks vs. rewards of data collection and profiling: 81% of Americans think the potential risks of data collection by companies about them outweigh the benefits, and 66% say the same about government data collection about them. Relatedly, 72% of adults say they personally benefit very little or none from company data collection about them, and 76% say this about the benefits they might get from government data collection.

One aim of the data collection done by companies is for the purpose of profiling customers and potentially targeting the sale of goods and services to them based on their traits and habits. This survey finds that 77% of Americans say they have heard or read at least a bit about how companies and other organizations use personal data to offer targeted advertisements or special deals, or to assess how risky people might be as customers. About 64% of all adults say they have seen ads or solicitations based on their personal data. And 61% of those who have seen ads based on their personal data say the ads accurately reflect their interests and characteristics at least somewhat well. (That amounts to 39% of all adults.)

Data collection and sharing for specific purposes: Despite their broad concerns about data collection and use by companies and the government, pluralities of U.S. adults say it is acceptable for data to be used in some ways. For instance, by a 49%-27% margin, more Americans find it acceptable than unacceptable for poorly performing schools to share data about their students with a nonprofit group seeking to help improve educational outcomes. Similarly, 49% say it is acceptable for government to collect data about all Americans to assess who might be a potential terrorist threat. That compares with 31% who feel it is unacceptable to collect data from all Americans for that purpose.

On the other hand, more find it unacceptable than acceptable for social media companies to monitor users' posts for signs of depression so they can identify people who are at risk of self-harm and connect them to counseling services (45% vs. 27%). The same pattern arises when it comes to companies that make smart speakers sharing audio recordings of customers with law enforcement to help with criminal investigations: 49% say this it is unacceptable, while 25% find it acceptable.

The public is more evenly divided when it comes to the acceptability of fitness tracking app makers sharing user data with medical researchers to better understand the link between exercise and heart disease.

Concern about how data is used: 79% of adults assert they are very or somewhat concerned about how companies are using the data they collect about them, while 64% say they have the same level of concern about government data collection.

Separately, Americans have mixed views about which groups concern them in getting access to their data: About four-in-ten are concerned a lot about the personal information social media sites (40%) or advertisers might know about them (39%). But only 9% of Americans worry a lot about the information family and friends might know and 19% have similar concerns about what their employers might know.

Still, the majority of Americans are not confident about the way companies will behave when it comes to using and protecting their personal data. Roughly seven-in-ten or more say they are not too or not at all confident that companies will admit mistakes and take responsibility when they misuse or compromise data (79%), will be held accountable by government if they misuse data (75%), or will use customers' data in ways that people would feel comfortable with (69%).

When it comes to data use for specific purposes, Americans have varying views depending on the purpose for the data use. For example, 57% of adults say they are very or somewhat comfortable with companies using their personal data to help companies improve their fraud prevention systems. But they are evenly split when the issue is their comfort with companies using their personal data in developing new products. About a third (36%) of adults say they are at least somewhat comfortable with companies sharing their personal data with outside groups doing research that might help them improve society, but a larger share (64%) say they would be uncomfortable with this practice.

Lack of understanding: 78% of U.S. adults say they understand very little or nothing about what the government does with the data it collects, and 59% say the same about the data companies collect. Only 6% of adults say they understand a great deal what companies do with the data collected, and a similar share (4%) say they know a great deal about what the government does with the data.

Some Americans also admit they struggle to understand the privacy laws that govern use of their data. Roughly six-in-ten Americans (63%) say they have very little or no understanding of the laws and regulations that are currently in place to protect their privacy. Only 3% of adults say they understand these laws a great deal, and 33% say they have some understanding.

How Americans handle privacy policies: Core parts of the current system of data collection and privacy protection are built on the idea that consumers are given notice about how firms collect and use data and ask for their consent to having their data used that way. Fully 97% say they are ever asked to approve privacy policies, yet only one-in-five adults overall say they always (9%) or often (13%) read these policies. Some 38% of U.S. adults maintain they sometimes read such policies, and 36% say they never read a company's privacy policy before agreeing to it. In all, about four-in-ten adults say they understand privacy policies great deal (8%) or some (33%).

In addition to the concerns cited above about how companies handle personal data, a majority of Americans (57%) say they are not too confident (40%) or not at all confident (17%) companies follow what their privacy policies say they will do with users' personal data.

Several other key findings in the survey:

Roughly three-in-ten Americans (28%) say they have suffered at least one of three kinds of major identity theft problems in the previous 12 months at the time of the survey: 21% have had someone put fraudulent charges on their credit or debit card; 8% have had someone take over their social media or email accounts without their permission; and 6% have had someone try to open a credit line or get a loan using their name.

A majority of U.S. adults (57%) say they follow privacy news very closely (11%) or somewhat closely (46%).

There are some differences by age on some privacy issues: People in different age groups have varying views on some key privacy and surveillance issues. Americans ages 65 and older are less likely than those ages 18 to 29 to feel they have control over who can access things like their physical location, purchases made both online and offline and their private conversations. At the same time, older Americans are less likely to think they benefit from data collection: Just 17% of those 65 and older believing they benefit from the data government collects about them, and only 19% think the same about data collected by companies.

There are also age differences on the issue of how data gets used once obtained. Americans ages 65 and older are more likely than younger adults to say it is acceptable for law enforcement to use customers' genetic data to help solve crimes, approve data collection to assess terrorist threats, and have smart speaker makers share users' audio recordings in investigations. By contrast, young adults ages 18 to 29 are more likely than older adults to find acceptable the idea that social media companies monitor users for signs of depression and to allow fitness tracking user data to be shared with medical researchers.

In addition, two-thirds of adults ages 65 and older say they follow privacy news at least somewhat closely, compared with just 45% of those 18 to 29 who do the same.

There are differences by race and ethnicity on some privacy issues: Black Americans are more likely than white Americans to say they believe the government is tracking all or most of what they do online or on their cellphone (60% vs. 43%). Similar gaps are present in views about offline activities: 47% of black adults think all or most of their offline activities are tracked by the government, compared with just 19% of white adults.

In addition, black and Hispanic adults are more likely than white adults to say they are concerned to some degree about what law enforcement officials, employers and family and friends know about them.

When it comes to identity-theft issues, black adults (20%) are roughly three times as likely as their Hispanic (7%) or white counterparts (6%) to say someone has taken over their social media or email account in the past year. Black Americans are also more likely than white and Hispanic adults to say someone attempted to open a line of credit or applied for a loan using their name in the past 12 months.
CORRECTION: In the chart, "Majority of Americans feel as if they have little control over data collected about them by companies and the government," the explanatory text for the findings related to "Risks outweigh benefits" was transcribed incorrectly. The correct text is, "Potential risks of ___ (companies or the government) collecting data about them outweigh the benefits."
At the same time, white adults also report feeling less control across several information types when compared with black and Hispanic adults. For example, 50% of white Americans feel they have control over who can access information about their on- and offline purchases, compared with 69% of black adults and 66% of Hispanic adults.

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Brooke Auxier, Lee Rainie, Monica Anderson, Andrew Perrin, Madhu Kumar and Erica Turner

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Americans and Privacy: Concerned, Confused and Feeling Lack of Control Over Their Personal Information

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Majorities of U.S. adults believe their personal data is less secure now, that data collection poses more risks than benefits, and that it is not possible to go through daily life without being tracked.

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In this article the topic is Whaling. This is a dangerous form of cyber phishing that cyber criminals use. The task is to attack a large individual who may have top secret information. This is an in depth phishing attempt that if successful can sink entire companies.

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Whaling: how it works, and what your organisation can do about it

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A guide to 'whaling' - targeted phishing attacks aimed at senior executives.

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Banner Submission_ Cyber Crime and Digital Terror

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This article discusses the governments part, specifically the FBI, in helping to catch hackers and cyber criminals. Not only does it state ways to protect ourselves online, but it also explains the common risks and traditional cyber fraud crimes that can occur when we are online. These common crimes include identity theft, business email compromise, ransomeware, phishing, and etc. In order to combat these growing cyber threats, there is a National Cyber Investigation Joint Task Force led by the FBI. Within that there is internet crime complaint center that collects reports of cyber attacks and allows agencies to help to counteract the attack. CyWatch is also something that the government uses for 24/7 watch to track and communicate incidents.
References:
“Cyber Crime.” FBI, FBI, 3 May 2016, https://www.fbi.gov/investigate/cyber.

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Malicious cyber activity threatens the public's safety and our national and economic security. The FBI's cyber strategy is to impose risk and consequences on cyber adversaries. Our goal is to change the behavior of criminals and nation-states who believe they can compromise U.S. networks, steal financial and intellectual property, and put critical infrastructure at risk without facing risk themselves. To do this, we use our unique mix of authorities, capabilities, and partnerships to impose consequences against our cyber adversaries.

The FBI is the lead federal agency for investigating cyber attacks and intrusions. We collect and share intelligence and engage with victims while working to unmask those committing malicious cyber activities, wherever they are.

Learn more about what you can do to protect yourself from cyber criminals, how you can report cyber crime, and the Bureau's efforts in combating the evolving cyber threat.﻿

Learn how businesses and organizations can work with the FBI to get ahead of the threat and make an impact on our cyber adversaries.

A Complex, Global Concern

Our adversaries look to exploit gaps in our intelligence and information security networks. The FBI is committed to working with our federal counterparts, our foreign partners, and the private sector to close those gaps.

These partnerships allow us to defend networks, attribute malicious activity, sanction bad behavior, and take the fight to our adversaries overseas. The FBI fosters this team approach through unique hubs where government, industry, and academia form long-term trusted relationships to combine efforts against cyber threats.

Within government, that hub is the National Cyber Investigative Joint Task Force (NCIJTF). The FBI leads this task force of more than 30 co-located agencies from the Intelligence Community and law enforcement. The NCIJTF is organized around mission centers based on key cyber threat areas and led by senior executives from partner agencies. Through these mission centers, operations and intelligence are integrated for maximum impact against U.S. adversaries.

Only together can we achieve safety, security, and confidence in a digitally connected world.

How We Work

Whether through developing innovative investigative techniques, using cutting-edge analytic tools, or forging new partnerships in our communities, the FBI continues to adapt to meet the challenges posed by the evolving cyber threat.

The FBI has specially trained cyber squads in each of our 56 field offices, working hand-in-hand with interagency task force partners.

The rapid-response Cyber Action Team can deploy across the country within hours to respond to major incidents.

With cyber assistant legal attachés in embassies across the globe, the FBI works closely with our international counterparts to seek justice for victims of malicious cyber activity.

The Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) collects reports of Internet crime from the public. Using such complaints, the IC3's Recovery Asset Team has assisted in freezing hundreds of thousands of dollars for victims of cyber crime.

CyWatch is the FBI's 24/7 operations center and watch floor, providing around-the-clock support to track incidents and communicate with field offices across the country.

What You Should Know

Protect Yourself

Understand Common Crimes and Risks Online

Business email compromise (BEC) scams exploit the fact that so many of us rely on email to conduct business-both personal and professional-and it's one of the most financially damaging online crimes.

Identity theft happens when someone steals your personal information, like your Social Security number, and uses it to commit theft or fraud.

Ransomware is a type of malicious software, or malware, that prevents you from accessing your computer files, systems, or networks and demands you pay a ransom for their return.

Spoofing and phishing are schemes aimed at tricking you into providing sensitive information to scammers.

Online predators are a growing threat to young people.

More common crimes and scams

File a Report with the Internet Crime Complaint Center

If you are the victim of online or internet-enabled crime, file a report with the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) as soon as possible. Crime reports are used for investigative and intelligence purposes. Rapid reporting can also help support the recovery of lost funds. Visit ic3.gov for more information, including tips and information about current crime trends.

Contact Your Local FBI Field Office

If you or your organization is the victim of a network intrusion, data breach, or ransomware attack, contact your nearest FBI field office or report it at tips.fbi.gov.

Cyber Safety Tips

Internet-enabled crimes and cyber intrusions are becoming increasingly sophisticated and preventing them requires each user of a connected device to be aware and on guard.

Keep systems and software up to date and install a strong, reputable anti-virus program.

Be careful when connecting to a public Wi-Fi network and do not conduct any sensitive transactions, including purchases, when on a public network.

Create a strong and unique passphrase for each online account and change those passphrases regularly.

Set up multi-factor authentication on all accounts that allow it.

Examine the email address in all correspondence and scrutinize website URLs before responding to a message or visiting a site

Don't click on anything in unsolicited emails or text messages.

Be cautious about the information you share in online profiles and social media accounts. Sharing things like pet names, schools, and family members can give scammers the hints they need to guess your passwords or the answers to your account security questions.

Don't send payments to unknown people or organizations that are seeking monetary support and urge immediate action.

Additional Resources and Related Priorities

Law enforcement agencies all over the country are bumping up against "warrant-proof" encryption. This means that even with a warrant, law enforcement cannot obtain the electronic evidence needed to investigate and prosecute crimes or security threats.

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Cyber Crime | Federal Bureau of Investigation

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The FBI is the lead federal agency for investigating cyber attacks by criminals, overseas adversaries, and terrorists. The threat is incredibly serious-and growing.

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This article explains the details surrounding the topic of Cyber Phishing. It explains in detail the different methods and tactics cyber criminals use to get information from a victim. The article explains spear phishing, whaling, email phishing and Https phishing. They also show ways in which a victim can stay safe from cyber crime.

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Phishing definition

Phishing is a cyber attack that uses disguised email as a weapon. The goal is to trick the email recipient into believing that the message is something they want or need - a request from their bank, for instance, or a note from someone in their company - and to click a link or download an attachment.

What really distinguishes phishing is the form the message takes: the attackers masquerade as a trusted entity of some kind, often a real or plausibly real person, or a company the victim might do business with. It's one of the oldest types of cyberattacks, dating back to the 1990s, and it's still one of the most widespread and pernicious, with phishing messages and techniques becoming increasingly sophisticated.

"Phish" is pronounced just like it's spelled, which is to say like the word "fish" - the analogy is of an angler throwing a baited hook out there (the phishing email) and hoping you bite. The term arose in the mid-1990s among hackers aiming to trick AOL users into giving up their login information. The "ph" is part of a tradition of whimsical hacker spelling, and was probably influenced by the term "phreaking," short for "phone phreaking," an early form of hacking that involved playing sound tones into telephone handsets to get free phone calls.

Nearly a third of all breaches in the past year involved phishing, according to the 2019 Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report. For cyber-espionage attacks, that number jumps to 78%. The worst phishing news for 2019 is that its perpetrators are getting much, much better at it thanks to well-produced, off-the-shelf tools and templates.

Some phishing scams have succeeded well enough to make waves:

What is a phishing kit?

The availability of phishing kits makes it easy for cyber criminals, even those with minimal technical skills, to launch phishing campaigns. A phishing kit bundles phishing website resources and tools that need only be installed on a server. Once installed, all the attacker needs to do is send out emails to potential victims. Phishing kits as well as mailing lists are available on the dark web. A couple of sites, Phishtank and OpenPhish, keep crowd-sourced lists of known phishing kits.

Some phishing kits allow attackers to spoof trusted brands, increasing the chances of someone clicking on a fraudulent link. Akamai's research provided in its Phishing--Baiting the Hook report found 62 kit variants for Microsoft, 14 for PayPal, seven for DHL, and 11 for Dropbox.

The Duo Labs report, Phish in a Barrel, includes an analysis of phishing kit reuse. Of the 3,200 phishing kits that Duo discovered, 900 (27%) were found on more than one host. That number might actually be higher, however. "Why don't we see a higher percentage of kit reuse? Perhaps because we were measuring based on the SHA1 hash of the kit contents. A single change to just one file in the kit would appear as two separate kits even when they are otherwise identical," said Jordan Wright, a senior R&D engineer at Duo and the report's author.

Analyzing phishing kits allows security teams to track who is using them. "One of the most useful things we can learn from analyzing phishing kits is where credentials are being sent. By tracking email addresses found in phishing kits, we can correlate actors to specific campaigns and even specific kits," said Wright in the report. "It gets even better. Not only can we see where credentials are sent, but we also see where credentials claim to be sent from. Creators of phishing kits commonly use the 'From' header like a signing card, letting us find multiple kits created by the same author."

Types of phishing

If there's a common denominator among phishing attacks, it's the disguise. The attackers spoof their email address so it looks like it's coming from someone else, set up fake websites that look like ones the victim trusts, and use foreign character sets to disguise URLs.

That said, there are a variety of techniques that fall under the umbrella of phishing. There are a couple of different ways to break attacks down into categories. One is by the purpose of the phishing attempt. Generally, a phishing campaign tries to get the victim to do one of two things:

Hand over sensitive information. These messages aim to trick the user into revealing important data - often a username and password that the attacker can use to breach a system or account. The classic version of this scam involves sending out an email tailored to look like a message from a major bank; by spamming out the message to millions of people, the attackers ensure that at least some of the recipients will be customers of that bank. The victim clicks on a link in the message and is taken to a malicious site designed to resemble the bank's webpage, and then hopefully enters their username and password. The attacker can now access the victim's account.

Download malware. Like a lot of spam, these types of phishing emails aim to get the victim to infect their own computer with malware. Often the messages are "soft targeted" - they might be sent to an HR staffer with an attachment that purports to be a job seeker's resume, for instance. These attachments are often .zip files, or Microsoft Office documents with malicious embedded code. The most common form of malicious code is ransomware - in 2017 it was estimated that 93% of phishing emails contained ransomware attachments.

Phishing emails can be targeted in several different ways. As we noted, sometimes they aren't targeted at all; emails are sent to millions of potential victims to try to trick them into logging in to fake versions of very popular websites. Ironscales has tallied the most popular brands that hackers use in their phishing attempts.

Of the 50,000-plus fake login pages the company monitored, these were the top brands attackers used:
Spear phishing
Other times, attackers might send "soft targeted" emails at someone playing a particular role in an organization, even if they don't know anything about them personally. Some phishing attacks aim to get login information from, or infect the computers of, specific people. Attackers dedicate much more energy to tricking those victims, who have been selected because the potential rewards are quite high.
Whaling
When attackers try to craft a message to appeal to a specific individual, that's called spear phishing. (The image is of a fisherman aiming for one specific fish, rather than just casting a baited hook in the water to see who bites.) Phishers identify their targets (sometimes using information on sites like LinkedIn) and use spoofed addresses to send emails that could plausibly look like they're coming from co-workers. For instance, the spear phisher might target someone in the finance department and pretend to be the victim's manager requesting a large bank transfer on short notice.

Whale phishing, or whaling, is a form of spear phishing aimed at the very big fish - CEOs or other high-value targets. Many of these scams target company board members, who are considered particularly vulnerable: they have a great deal of authority within a company, but since they aren't full-time employees, they often use personal email addresses for business-related correspondence, which doesn't have the protections offered by corporate email.

Gathering enough information to trick a really high-value target might take time, but it can have a surprisingly high payoff. In 2008, cybercriminals targeted corporate CEOs with emails that claimed to have FBI subpoenas attached. In fact, they downloaded keyloggers onto the executives' computers - and the scammers' success rate was 10%, snagging almost 2,000 victims.

Other types of phishing include clone phishing, vishing, snowshoeing. This article explains the differences between the various types of phishing attacks.

Why phishing increases during a crisis

Criminals rely on deception and creating a sense of urgency to achieve success with their phishing campaigns. Crises such as the coronavirus pandemic give those criminals a big opportunity to lure victims into taking their phishing bait.

During a crisis, people are on edge. They want information and are looking for direction from their employers, the government, and other relevant authorities. An email that appears to be from one of these entities and promises new information or instructs recipients to complete a task quickly will likely receive less scrutiny than prior to the crisis. An impulsive click later, and the victim's device is infected or account is compromised.

The following screen capture is a phishing campaign discovered by Mimecast that attempts to steal login credentials of the victim's Microsoft OneDrive account. The attacker knew that with more people working from home, sharing of documents via OneDrive would be common.

The next two screens are from phishing campaigns identified by Proofpoint. The first asks victims to load an app on their device to "run simulations of the cure" for COVID-19. The app, of course, is malware. The second appears to be from Canada's Public Health Agency and asks recipients to click on a link to read an important letter. The link goes to a malicious document.

How to prevent phishing

The best way to learn to spot phishing emails is to study examples captured in the wild! This webinar from Cyren starts with a look at a real live phishing website, masquerading as a PayPal login, tempting victims hand over their credentials. Check out the first minute or so of the video to see the telltale signs of a phishing website.
[ See 15 real-world phishing examples - and how to recognize them ]
More examples can be found on a website maintained by Lehigh University's technology services department where they keep a gallery of recent phishing emails received by students and staff.

Always check the spelling of the URLs in email links before you click or enter sensitive information

Watch out for URL redirects, where you're subtly sent to a different website with identical design

If you receive an email from a source you know but it seems suspicious, contact that source with a new email, rather than just hitting reply

Don't post personal data, like your birthday, vacation plans, or your address or phone number, publicly on social media

KnowBe4

These are the top-clicked phishing messages according to a Q2 2018 report from security awareness training company KnowBe4

There also are a number of steps you can take and mindsets you should get into that will keep you from becoming a phishing statistic, including:

If you work in your company's IT security department, you can implement proactive measures to protect the organization, including:

"Sandboxing" inbound email, checking the safety of each link a user clicks

Inspecting and analyzing web traffic

Pen-testing your organization to find weak spots and use the results to educate employees

Rewarding good behavior, perhaps by showcasing a "catch of the day" if someone spots a phishing email

Copyright © 2020 IDG Communications, Inc.

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What is phishing? How this cyber attack works and how to prevent it

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Phishing is a cyber attack that uses disguised email as a weapon. The goal is to trick the email recipient into believing that the message is something they want or need - a request from their bank, for instance, or a note from someone in their company - and to click a link or download an attachment.

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https://usa.kaspersky.com/resource-center/threats/petty-theft

This article goes in depth on cyber theft threats and the growing implication of cyber theft and threats. It also talks about what computer specs can help protect you from common cyber theft, and different things you can do to protect yourself from the growing threat.

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NEW

Your gateway to all our best protection. Access our best apps, features and technologies under just one account. Get antivirus, anti-ransomware, privacy tools, data leak detection, home Wi-Fi monitoring and more.
Learn more Free trial

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The fact that Kaspersky Lab has not recorded malware that uses exploits in Android to perform a drive-by attack may seem positive, but only at a first glance.The fact that Kaspersky Lab has not recorded malware that uses exploits in Android to perform a drive...

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This article gives a full in depth look at what hacking is. It starts by defining it by saying "act of compromising digital devices and networks through unauthorized access to an account or computer system". I like definition as it clearly states what it is while also saying it in a very easy understandable manner. It also talks about how these are very skilled individuals and are not just kids.
What is hacking? types of hacking & more. Fortinet. (n.d.). Retrieved April 10, 2022, from https://www.fortinet.com/resources/cyberglossary/what-is-hacking#:~:text=A%20commonly%20used%20hacking%20definition,data%20theft%20by%20cyber%20criminals.

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FortiGuard Labs 1H 2023 Global Threat Landscape Report provides valuable intelligence and early warning for potential threat activity

Hacking-Definition, Types, Security, and More

A commonly used hacking definition is the act of compromising digital devices and networks through unauthorized access to an account or computer system. Hacking is not always a malicious act, but it is most commonly associated with illegal activity and data theft by cyber criminals.

But what is hacking in a cyber security context?

Hacking in cyber security refers to the misuse of devices like computers, smartphones, tablets, and networks to cause damage to or corrupt systems, gather information on users, steal data and documents, or disrupt data-related activity.

A traditional view of hackers is a lone rogue programmer who is highly skilled in coding and modifying computer software and hardware systems. But this narrow view does not cover the true technical nature of hacking. Hackers are increasingly growing in sophistication, using stealthy attack methods designed to go completely unnoticed by cybersecurity software and IT teams. They are also highly skilled in creating attack vectors that trick users into opening malicious attachments or links and freely giving up their sensitive personal data.

As a result, modern-day hacking involves far more than just an angry kid in their bedroom. It is a multibillion-dollar industry with extremely sophisticated and successful techniques.

History of Hacking/Hackers

Hacking first appeared as a term in the 1970s but became more popular through the next decade. An article in a 1980 edition of Psychology Today ran the headline "The Hacker Papers" in an exploration of computer usage's addictive nature. Two years later, two movies, Tron and WarGames, were released, in which the lead characters set about hacking into computer systems, which introduced the concept of hacking to a wide audience and as a potential national security risk.

Sure enough, later that year, a group of teenagers cracked the computer systems of major organizations like Los Alamos National Laboratory, Security Pacific Bank, and Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. A Newsweek article covering the event became the first to use the word "hacker" in the negative light it now holds.

This event also led Congress to pass several bills around computer crimes, but that did not stop the number of high-profile attacks on corporate and government systems. Of course, the concept of hacking has spiraled with the release of the public internet, which has led to far more opportunities and more lucrative rewards for hacking activity. This saw techniques evolve and increase in sophistication and gave birth to a wide range of types of hacking and hackers.

Types of Hacking/Hackers

There are typically four key drivers that lead to bad actors hacking websites or systems: (1) financial gain through the theft of credit card details or by defrauding financial services, (2) corporate espionage, (3) to gain notoriety or respect for their hacking talents, and (4) state-sponsored hacking that aims to steal business information and national intelligence. On top of that, there are politically motivated hackers-or hacktivists -who aim to raise public attention by leaking sensitive information, such as Anonymous, LulzSec, and WikiLeaks.

A few of the most common types of hackers that carry out these activities involve:

Black Hat Hackers

Black hat hackers are the "bad guys" of the hacking scene. They go out of their way to discover vulnerabilities in computer systems and software to exploit them for financial gain or for more malicious purposes, such as to gain reputation, carry out corporate espionage, or as part of a nation-state hacking campaign.

These individuals' actions can inflict serious damage on both computer users and the organizations they work for. They can steal sensitive personal information, compromise computer and financial systems, and alter or take down the functionality of websites and critical networks.

White Hat Hackers

White hat hackers can be seen as the "good guys" who attempt to prevent the success of black hat hackers through proactive hacking. They use their technical skills to break into systems to assess and test the level of network security, also known as ethical hacking. This helps expose vulnerabilities in systems before black hat hackers can detect and exploit them.

The techniques white hat hackers use are similar to or even identical to those of black hat hackers, but these individuals are hired by organizations to test and discover potential holes in their security defenses.

Grey Hat Hackers

Grey hat hackers sit somewhere between the good and the bad guys. Unlike black hat hackers, they attempt to violate standards and principles but without intending to do harm or gain financially. Their actions are typically carried out for the common good. For example, they may exploit a vulnerability to raise awareness that it exists, but unlike white hat hackers, they do so publicly. This alerts malicious actors to the existence of the vulnerability.

Devices Most Vulnerable To Hacking

Smart Devices

Webcams

Webcams built into computers are a common hacking target, mainly because hacking them is a simple process. Hackers typically gain access to a computer using a Remote Access Trojan (RAT) in rootkit malware, which allows them to not only spy on users but also read their messages, see their browsing activity, take screenshots, and hijack their webcam.

Routers

Email

Jailbroken Phones

Jailbreaking a phone means removing restrictions imposed on its operating system to enable the user to install applications or other software not available through its official app store. Aside from being a violation of the end-user's license agreement with the phone developer, jailbreaking exposes many vulnerabilities. Hackers can target jailbroken phones, which allows them to steal any data on the device but also extend their attack to connected networks and systems.

Prevention from Getting Hacked

Software Update

Use Unique Passwords for Different Accounts

HTTPS Encryption

Avoid Clicking on Ads or Strange Links

Change the Default Username and Password on Your Router and Smart Devices

Routers and smart devices come with default usernames and passwords. However, as providers ship millions of devices, there is a risk that the credentials are not unique, which heightens the chances of hackers breaking into them. It is best practice to set a unique username and password combination for these types of devices.

Protect Yourself Against Hacking

Download from First-party Sources

Install Antivirus Software

Use a VPN

Do Not Login as an Admin by Default

Use a Password Manager

Use Two-factor Authentication

Brush Up on Anti-phishing Techniques

Users must understand the techniques that hackers deploy to target them. This is especially the case with antiphishing and ransomware, which help users know the telltale signs of a phishing email or a ransomware attack or ransomware settlements.

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What is Ethical Hacking? How Legal is Ethical Hacking?

Ethical hacking refers to the actions carried out by white hat security hackers. It involves gaining access to computer systems and networks to test for potential vulnerabilities, and then fixing any identified weaknesses. Using these technical skills for ethical hacking purposes is legal, provided the individual has written permission from the system or network owner, protects the organization's privacy, and reports all weaknesses they find to the organization and its vendors.

Frequently Asked Questions about Hacking

What is hacking?

Hacking is the act of compromising digital devices and networks by gaining unauthorized access to an account or computer system. A key part of understanding hacking is understanding the intent behind it, which usually involves the hacker seeking access to digital infrastructure, application data, and stealing sensitive customer information that could damage companies if leaked online. When hacking is used to solicit money, it's referred to as ransomware.

What are the seven types of hackers?

There are many different types of hackers, the most common of which are black, grey, and white hat hackers. Black hat hackers are the bad guys-the cyber criminals. The white hat or ethical hackers are the good guys, while grey hat hackers are somewhere in the middle.

Other common hacker types include blue hat hackers, which are amateur hackers who carry out malicious acts like revenge attacks, red hat hackers, who search for black hat hackers to prevent their attacks, and green hat hackers, who want to learn about and observe hacking techniques on hacking forums.

Other common hacker types are cyber terrorists, hacktivists, state- or nation-sponsored hackers, script kiddies, malicious insiders, and elite hackers. Some hacker groups are very well organized and continue to find new ways to identify weaknesses and organize security penetration of large and small organizations.

What is the biggest hack in history?

Which country has the most hackers?

China is believed to be the country with the highest number of dangerous hackers. Most of the major cyberattacks that occurred around the world can be traced back to China.

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What Is Hacking? Types of Hacking & More | Fortinet

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Hacking in cybersecurity compromises digital devices and networks through unauthorized access. ✓ Discover how hacking works and different types of hacking.

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This articles discusses how cyber crime has evolved to cyber fraud and presented us with financial risks by being online. It also goes over ways we can protect ourselves and a target fraud risk model to see where we stand.

References:
Financial Crime and Fraud in the Age of Cybersecurity. https://www.mckinsey.com/il/~/media/McKinsey/Business%20Functions/Risk/Our%20Insights/Financial%20crime%20and%20fraud%20in%20the%20age%20of%20cybersecurity/Financial-crime-and-fraud-in-the-age-of-cybersecurity.ashx.