Have you ever wondered what goes on in the mind of a cybercriminal? How do they plan and execute their attacks on unsuspecting victims? What are the tools and techniques they use to break into computers and networks and steal data?
Knowing these answers could help get you off a hacker’s target list. Cybercrime is a serious and growing threat that affects millions of people and businesses around the globe. Not to mention that cybercriminals are consistently finding new ways to attack us.
Just so you are aware of what you are up against, let me lay out the four steps that a cybercriminal will often take when plotting a cyberattack. Then you’ll become more powerful with some important tips on how to protect yourself from becoming their next target.
Cybercriminals’ steps when plotting a cyberattack
These are the 4 steps that a cybercriminal will always take when plotting a cyberattack.
1. Finding their target
A cybercriminal has to find a specific person or organization to attack before they can do anything else. They use various ways to do this; however, they typically will aim for whoever seems to be the easiest and most vulnerable target. Here are some of the ways they can target an individual or business.
Social media: Cybercriminals can use social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Threads to find personal info, such as location, occupation, hobbies, interests, etc., that can help them tailor their attacks or scams.
The Dark web: Cybercriminals can also use the dark web to buy or sell stolen data, such as credit card numbers, passwords, usernames, etc., that can be used to access online accounts or commit identity theft.
Information brokers:
Network scanning: Cybercrooks also use network scanning tools to scan the internet for devices or systems that have vulnerabilities or weak security. They can then exploit these vulnerabilities to gain access or launch attacks.
This first step is perhaps the most important of a hacker’s manipulation game because it makes or breaks a hacker’s game. You see, without a target, there’s no crime to commit.
MORE: BIDENCASH CRIMINAL MARKET RELEASES OVER 2M CREDIT CARD NUMBERS FREE FOR THE TAKING
2. Researching their target
Reconnaissance tools:
Social engineering:
Keyloggers.
MORE: CONFESSIONS FROM A VICTIM SCAMMED BY CYBER CREEPS
3. Breaking into the network
Phishing emails & websites
This could be a phishing email scam with malicious links attached or even a phishing website that is designed to look like a legit company so that the victim falls for it and hands over their information.
Digitized human hair follicle
Fake ads
MORE: AVOID THESE SCAMMERS’ SNEAKY TRICKS
4. Taking control of the network
This is the final stage of the hacker’s attack and the most rewarding one for them. After gaining access to a system, they exfiltrate any valuable information they can as quickly as possible with the help of post-exploitation tools, such as AdFind and Cobalt Strike, which are designed to collect and transfer data from compromised networks. They will either disappear with the stolen data or use it to extort money from their victims, depending on the target and the motive of the attack.
What can I do to protect myself from these hackers?
Fortunately, there are precautions that you can take to avoid becoming the next victim of these cybercriminals.
Erase personal information from the internet: Invest in removal services
A service like Incogni can help you remove all this personal information from the internet. It has a very clean interface and will scan 195 websites for your information and remove it and keep it removed.
Special for CyberGuy Readers (60% off): Incogni offers A 30-day money-back guarantee and then charges a special CyberGuy discount only through the links in this article of $6.49/month for one person (billed annually) or $13.19/month for your family (up to 4 people) on their annual plan and get a fully automated data removal service, including recurring removal from 175+ data brokers. I recommend the family plan because it works out to only $4.12 per person per month for year-round coverage. It’s an excellent service, and I highly recommend at least trying it out to see what it’s all about.
Use the code: CYBERGUY at checkout to get an exclusive discount – click here.
Have strong antivirus software
Special deal for CyberGuy Readers:
Use identity theft protection
1 million dollars to cover losses and legal fees white glove fraud resolution team
Special for CyberGuy Readers:
Use a VPN
Kurt’s key takeaways
Why do you think Americans have become the single biggest target of hackers? Do you think you are prepared to protect yourself from cybercriminals who are constantly looking for ways to attack you? Let us know by commenting below.
FOR MORE OF MY TECH TIPS & SECURITY ALERTS, SUBSCRIBE TO MY FREE CYBERGUY REPORT NEWSLETTER HERE
Related:
Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved. CyberGuy.com articles and content may contain affiliate links that earn a commission when purchases are made.
27 comments