1. They're masters at getting you to click on fake e-mails. One of the most common ways hackers gain access to computer networks and devices is via phishing e-mails. Gone are the days when you could easily spot a spammer's e-mail because of its poor English, typos and punctuation mistakes - attacks are getting more and more sophisticated. That's because cybercriminals have access to the same cutting-edge online marketing tools that legitimate companies have, giving them the ability to send highly targeted messages that look completely legitimate from sources you trust. These e-mails often use your name, your professional title and may even reference a group you belong to. Further, if you click on the e-mails or respond, you're inviting a hacker into your network that bypasses a firewall and antivirus software. The only way to avoid getting snared by a phishing e-mail is to NEVER click on, open or respond to any e-mail requesting personal information, passwords, login details, etc. Always go directly to the site.
  2. They automate attacks that work around the clock. Hackers have software programs that systematically test millions of possible passwords to break into your PC. Easy-to-guess passwords are worthless against the power, automation and sophistication of these super-apps that will constantly hammer away at guessing your password. Because of this, make sure your passwords contain both uppercase and lowercase letters, at least one number and special characters - and NEVER use easy-to-guess passwords like 'letmein' or 'password'
  3. They can use legitimate web sites to attack you. A growing number of cyberattacks are coming via 'drive-by' download, where a hacker gains access to a legitimate, honest business web site (or sets up a site that looks legit on every level) but has malicious code installed called an 'exploit kit.' An exploit kit can discover a vulnerability fast by probing your operating system, browser and the software you have installed (like a PDF reader or video player) to find a way to access your PC or network. If you (or your IT company!) aren't applying regular security updates, you are unprotected against these exploits.

While these are common ways hackers gain access, there are dozens of other more straightforward ways hackers gain access if you're not diligently updating and patching your network, maintaining an up-to-date firewall, antivirus and spam-filtering unified threat-management system. The days of  'That could never happen to me' are gone - and if you want peace of mind that YOUR business isn't a 'sitting duck' to hackers, call us on (03) 9001-0817 to see if your network is protected from these sorts of attacks.