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5 Seriously Concerning Misuses of Private Data & Identity

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Private Data Identity

We’re all aware that hackers want to steal our data, but for what purpose? Depending on what kind of server they’re looking to hack, you need to gain enough skill in the months, sometimes years, leading up to the cyberattack.

On top of that, you need to constantly learn how to maneuver firewalls, antivirus software, and VPNs. All that effort has to lead to some payoff.

Why Hackers Hack: Inside the Minds of a Cybercriminal

Hackers will use your data for malicious purposes, so it’s important you protect yourself. You can do this by purchasing ID fraud protection, encryption software, or by using a VPN.

1. Data Random

Hackers may steal your data and hold it for ransom in the form of a ransomware attack. Commonly used with phishing scams (an email masquerading as a website, file, or photo you trust), ransomware is immediately downloaded to your computer once they’re opened. Once this happens, the victim won’t be able to open their files without a password only the hacker knows.

At the end of the process, the user will be given a pop-up message or an email explaining what happened and that the key will be given to them if they send them money via bitcoin.

Another form of data ransom comes in the form of doxware or leakware, which is when an attacker threatens to publish sensitive data unless they’re paid. A hacker may also use doxware and ransomware together by posting pop-ups on a victim’s computer that states they’re law enforcement. Hackers will typically put these viruses on porn or torrent websites.

2. Identity (ID) Theft

ID theft is the most common form of data theft and the most deadly. In 2013, over 3 billion Yahoo accounts were hacked and exposed when Yahoo transferred ownership to Verizon. Identity thieves will break into your account and steal your identity with a virus hack to your personal computer or through a mass company-wide hack, which is more difficult to do.

The most common way your ID is stolen is by dumpster diving and reading information on your utility bills or by opening credit-monitoring accounts in your name.

There are multiple ways they can use your identity. For example, a hacker could open a credit card in your name, steal your tax return, or simply spend your money. To protect yourself, use hard-to-crack passwords, avoid retailers you don’t trust, and use theft protection software.

3. Stealing or Destroying Infrastructure

Some hackers are more interested in using a service than they are stealing it directly and selling it. An experienced hacker could break into your systems and store data, and host applications in your infrastructure. A hacker may not want to store anything malicious on the computer, but if they do, you’ll be charged instead of them. This sometimes happens with illegal porn or files.

Protecting yourself from this type of attack is as easy as using a firewall and a strong password. Most hackers will move on if infiltrating your infrastructure is too tricky.

4. Account Takeover

Although identity theft and ransomware attacks could happen due to an account takeover, some hackers won’t care about stealing your credentials specifically. However, if a hacker does take over your account, it’s typically to sell it on the black market or to receive some monetary gain. Sometimes, a hacker just wants to watch Netflix or use your Spotify account without paying.

5. For Fun or to Prove a Point

On the other hand, some hackers just want to watch the world burn. Usually, this kind of attack is brought on from an experiment or because you insulted them in some way. Other hackers will try to breach the defenses of a large cooperation just to prove that they can.

 

Kossi Adzo is the editor and author of Startup.info. He is software engineer. Innovation, Businesses and companies are his passion. He filled several patents in IT & Communication technologies. He manages the technical operations at Startup.info.

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