You might have many questions about how hackers gain access to systems and their methods of doing so. Indeed, we can only effectively defend against hacker attacks if we understand the methods they use to attack our computers. In the previous article in the “Hack Prevention Guide” series, we discussed hackers and their goals. In this article, we aim to comprehensively examine the methods hackers use to access systems so that, with a full understanding, you can prevent these security issues.
Note: This article is part of our archival content and belongs to a previous phase of our publication. Amaranth Magazine is now a dedicated literary magazine.
Hackers use various methods to gain access to users’ systems. Their primary tool is computer code. Despite the large number of hackers in today’s world, only a few possess highly skilled programming abilities. Most hackers use codes written by others, which are shared on online networks. There are thousands of different codes that hackers use to infiltrate computer systems and networks. Once a skilled hacker understands how a system operates, they can design a program to exploit it.
How Hackers Gain Access: Common Methods of System Penetration
Phishing Attacks
Phishing attacks involve obtaining sensitive user information through deceptive means such as fake emails and websites. Hackers impersonate trusted individuals or large organizations and distribute malicious links via social networks, SMS, or email to steal victims’ information and data. Social networks and online payment gateways are frequent targets. Emails used in phishing attempts often contain links to websites loaded with malware. Phishing attacks replicate the exact graphical interface of legitimate websites, such as online banks.
Users may be directed to these fraudulent pages through emails, online advertisements, or social media, where they are prompted to enter sensitive information like credit card details. If deceived, users inadvertently provide their information, granting hackers access to their personal data. For example, you might receive an email appearing to be from your bank, urging you to click a link to verify your account. Upon opening the link, you encounter a webpage that looks like your bank’s site, requesting your account details. Subsequently, hackers gain access to your banking information and may exploit it.
Exploit Kits
Exploit kits are automated tools that use infected websites to redirect web traffic, identify vulnerable browser-based applications, and execute malware attacks. This method exploits vulnerabilities in victims’ systems while they browse the web, doing so automatically and covertly. These tools are among the most popular methods for distributing malware and remote access tools. Sometimes, hackers sell these kits on the dark web as a monthly subscription at exorbitant prices.
The process of infecting a user’s system begins with an infected website. The infected page redirects users to a landing page containing code that gathers information about the victim’s device and any vulnerable web-based applications. If the system is fully secure and up-to-date, it halts the operation. However, if there are any vulnerabilities, the infected website covertly redirects the user’s computer traffic to the exploit kit. It then uses a vulnerable application to stealthily execute malware on the host system. The final stage involves sending an encrypted binary code payload to infect the host system. Once the payload reaches the victim’s system, it is decrypted and executed, giving the attacker control over the victim’s system.
Hacking Users Through Wi-Fi
Many hackers use Wi-Fi to hack into victims’ systems. One method involves the attacker creating a fake Wi-Fi network, enticing users with the promise of free Wi-Fi. As soon as the user connects to the infected Wi-Fi, their information becomes easily accessible to the hacker. They commonly use this technique in public and crowded places. Another method involves infiltrating personal Wi-Fi networks. Wi-Fi networks that are not hidden are vulnerable to hacking, allowing hackers to exploit their traffic. Sometimes, an attacker uses a hacked Wi-Fi network for illegal activities such as sending spam or conducting DDoS attacks, which can result in the host’s IP address being blacklisted.
For devices within a network, such as printers or cameras in an office, their Wi-Fi settings can be exploited to attack the entire system, as these types of devices often receive little attention in terms of security. In general, hackers can target anything connected to the online world.
Hackers Gain Access Using Infected Flash Drives
One method of cyber attacks that requires physical access to systems is the use of infected flash drives, disks, and memory cards to transfer malware to the victim’s system. Hackers connect these flash drives to the system to steal sensitive information and data. Additionally, cyber attackers can use this method to remotely take control of users’ systems.
An infected flash drive can install a wide range of malware on the system. These flash drives can also install browser hijackers, redirecting victims to hackers’ websites, which subsequently install more malware, including spyware, on the victim’s system. Some of the harmful actions that infected flash drives can perform include controlling the system, accessing the webcam and microphone, stealing confidential data, deleting sensitive data, and damaging hardware.
Software Vulnerabilities
Although modern software has made significant advancements compared to 50 years ago and many vulnerabilities have been addressed, some software still suffers from major security bugs. These security bugs may go undetected for a long time, allowing hackers to exploit them to infiltrate users’ devices and steal information. The most common software vulnerabilities include poor security design, lack of security permissions, weak encryption systems, and SQL injection.
DoS and DDoS Attacks
DoS (Denial of Service) and DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attacks occur when a surge in fake traffic overwhelms a website, leading to excessive server resource consumption and causing the server and site to crash.
The difference between DoS and DDoS attacks is that in a DoS attack, the hacker uses a single system to execute their program and send requests directly, while in a DDoS attack, the hacker uses multiple systems or computers in a network to execute their program. In this type of attack, the hacker may take control of your computer and use it to attack other systems. The goal of both attacks is to disrupt access for legitimate users to the targeted services and servers.
In many hacking methods, malware enters the victim’s system and takes control away from them. Malware that infiltrates a victim’s system can include Trojans, ransomware, keyloggers, viruses, worms, adware, and other types of malicious software. Hackers can use various techniques to gain access to your banking information, delete or damage important files, share your information with others, or use it for malicious purposes.
In the next article, I will introduce you to various types of malware and discuss the devices most vulnerable to hacking.
