The digital age has brought tremendous advancements, but it has also opened the door to sophisticated cyber threats. As technology evolves, so do the tactics of cybercriminals, with hackers becoming one of the most significant threats. In modern cybersecurity, addressing hackers’ tactics is crucial to safeguarding data, protecting businesses, and ensuring the security of national infrastructure.

How do Hackers Hack?

Hackers use various strategies to break into systems by exploiting weaknesses, or vulnerabilities, in software, networks, and even human behavior. Some methods include:

• Phishing: Sending fake emails or messages to trick people into sharing personal information like passwords or credit card details.
  • 57% of organizations face weekly or daily phishing attempts!
• Malware: Installing harmful software on a victim’s device to steal data, spy on activity, or take control of the system.
  • Every day, approximately 560,000 new pieces of malware are detected.
• Ransomware: Encrypting a victim’s data and demanding payment to restore access, often locking entire systems.
  • 1 in 5 ransomware incidents now end in lawsuits.
• Social Engineering: Manipulating people into giving away confidential information through deception or manipulation.
  • 98% of cyber-attacks involve some form of social engineering.
• Man-in-the-Middle Attacks: Intercepting communication between two parties to steal data or alter information without either party knowing.
  • Over 50% of MITM attacks involve intercepting sensitive information like login credentials and banking details
• Exploiting Outdated Software: Taking advantage of unpatched software vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access to systems or networks.
  • According to a report, data breaches cost organizations that use outdated software 47% (about $389,000) more.
• Weak Passwords: Using simple, easily guessed passwords (like “123456” or “password”) that hackers can quickly crack giving them easy access to accounts and systems.
  • 17 out of the 20 most common passwords can be cracked by hackers in less than one second!

By finding and using these weak spots, hackers can steal sensitive data, disrupt services, or take control of systems for their own gain.

What are the Challenges Faced When Combating Hackers?

Combating hackers presents significant challenges due to their creativity and adaptability. While automated defenses like firewalls and antivirus software can block many threats, skilled hackers often find ways to outsmart these systems. Some of the tactics described above, such as social engineering and phishing attacks, rely on human emotions and trust, making them difficult to prevent with technology alone, highlighting the need for continuous education and awareness.

How Can ACT Help Protect You Against Hackers?

ACT safeguards your business from the ever-evolving threat of cybercriminals. Our turn-key Managed Security Services include more than a dozen strategic cybersecurity services that provide complete coverage for your business network, data, and peripherals.

Here are some ways ACT helps defend your business from hackers and cyber threats:

• Next-Gen Antivirus Protection: ACT’s advanced antivirus software provides around-the-clock network monitoring, detecting red flags that indicate potential data breaches. It proactively responds to threats by shutting down compromised entry points and quarantining viruses before they infect your network.
• Security Patching: ACT ensures your systems are always up-to-date with the latest security patches, protecting against vulnerabilities exploited by cybercriminals. We cover a wide range of devices and software.
• Email Security: We implement a cloud-based spam filter that proactively blocks spam, junk email, suspicious attachments, and malicious URLs before they reach your network. This significantly reduces the risk of virus infections and user errors, safeguarding your sensitive data.
• Dark Web Monitoring: ACT proactively monitors the dark web for compromised credentials associated with your organization, including employee passwords and login information.
• Security Awareness Training: Our training is self-paced, featuring virtual video modules accessible through an online platform provided by ACT. We also run phishing campaigns, sending mock attacks to employees and notifying you when someone falls for them, helping to identify potential vulnerabilities.

The fight against hackers is an ongoing battle that demands constant attention and adaptation. As cyber threats continue to evolve, organizations and individuals must remain vigilant and proactive in their cybersecurity efforts. This includes investing in the latest technologies, fostering a culture of security awareness, and continuously updating defense strategies. By staying informed and innovative, we can better protect ourselves against the ever-present threat of cybercrime and ensure a safer digital landscape for everyone.