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You’ll notice that there are more cybercrime reports nowadays. Many hackers are using ransomware to extort money from small, medium, and large organizations. In addition, hackers are stealing company secrets and client data through spyware and Trojans. Some hackers take over systems with rootkits and open backdoors for keyloggers and other malware.
To protect themselves and their customers, companies look for creative ways to stop hackers and enhance cybersecurity. But first, let’s answer the common question: what is hacking exactly? In a nutshell, hacking is any activity that breaches the security of any of the following digital devices:
- Networks
- Computers
- Smartphones
- Tablets
- Internet of thing
Hackers can use malware, social engineering, and surveillance to commit cybercrimes. They may even buy usernames and passwords on the dark web to log into systems and plant hacking aids like ransomware. Here are a few ways companies guard themselves against hackers:
1. They Hire Hackers
You may have heard of the hacker who stole and returned $610 million in cryptocurrency from Poly Network. The hacker said that their goal wasn’t to steal money but to enhance the cybersecurity of the Poly project. Such hackers are known as grey hat hackers. They operate on the side of good, though they may use the same unauthorized tactics as black hat backers. The grateful decentralized finance platform promised the hacker a large reward and employment.
This isn’t uncommon. Many organizations hire grey hat hackers to tighten their cybersecurity measures, and some even hire black hat backers and help them turn their malicious ways around. Plenty of programmers also study to become white hat hackers. Of course, white hats are ethical hackers that specialize in penetration testing to protect systems.
2. They use Honeypots
Honeypots are decoy computers or systems that help companies protect their data or study hackers. Honeypots may carry no data or may have fake data to lure threats. While cybercriminals are exploring honeypots, network security specialists study them to find ways to counter them.
3. They Use Endpoint Security
As you probably know, more hackers are attacking companies through employee online activities nowadays. In fact, the FBI has seen online attacks escalate by 300% during the pandemic as more companies embrace remote working protocols. In retaliation, more organizations are using endpoint detection and response software to shield vulnerable endpoints from hackers.
4. They Create Backups
Ransomware is one of the biggest menaces against companies today. Not only do organizations use anti-ransomware tools to stop hackers, but they back up their data on air-gapped systems to reduce downtime. Air-gapped systems, of course, don’t connect to any networks or the Internet and are safer from malware that spreads online.
5. They Train Employees
With hackers exploiting employee mistakes, companies train their staff to identify and neutralize common attack vectors like phishing emails and social engineering tactics. In addition, employees are encouraged to use long and complex passwords, two-factor authentication, anti-malware software, and corporate Virtual Private Network (VPN) accounts for maximum security.
As hackers use more dangerous malware and more innovative social engineering techniques, companies have no choice but to use better defense mechanisms to mitigate the threat of cyberattacks.