Common hacking tactics that can fool the best of us

Hacking has evolved from simple pranks to sophisticated and malicious techniques strategized to prey on unsuspecting and vulnerable businesses, organizations, and people.

One would be surprised to know how simply common hacking techniques can be carried out these days. There are also those so innovative and complex that we have to applaud those hackers on their brilliance.

Here are some common hacking techniques we have uncovered, ranging from simple social engineering to sophisticated remote cyber attacks.

1. Fake wifi access points

Think of all the times you have tried to search for a wifi signal in public places, hoping to find one that doesn’t require a password.

Hackers take advantage of this need and use software and a wireless network card to advertise as a fake WAP (wireless access point) from where people can easily connect. They can easily get open data such as passwords from the stream connecting these people and their intended remote hosts.

Protect yourself

Never trust public wireless access points, and consider using a VPN connection. Also, note that you should avoid using the same password for all your accounts and emails.

2. Watering hole attacks

These types of attacks are fake WAPs set out on a grander scale. Hackers take advantage of locations frequented by targeted victims, creating fake WAPs to get as much data as possible, especially one’s company login information.

Some hackers maliciously modify a frequently visited website to leech information off visitors to the website. This attack became popular when high-profile companies such as Apple, Facebook, and Microsoft were compromised because employees visited popular application development websites — and those sites had been hacked.

Watering holes such as company office cafes and bars are particularly vulnerable to this manner of attack, hence its name.

Protect yourself

Alert your employees about this hacking technique for them to be cautious about what they share on commonly visited physical locations and websites.

3. Masking of file names

Hackers can manipulate files you download from the internet too. What should be picture files ending with .GIF or .JPG are actually programs with the .EXE extension that when opened, run malicious software (malware) on the victim’s computers.

4. Bait and switch

5. Cookie theft

6. Webcam entries

7. Polls fraud

8. Running location searches on your directory

9. Running host file redirects

10. Total loss of control of system