Though most of the businesses follow the basic IT security protocols like using strong passwords, installing updated security solutions and blocking unauthorized access; there is a constant increase in number of hacking instances. Nowadays, hackers utilize diverse mediums to serve as an entry points to infect a system or network and initiate widespread attacks. It is important to be aware of these entry points in order to develop effective cybersecurity strategies.

  1. Off-brand Apps: Some apps may not be available on certain operating systems. Hackers design off-brand apps with similar features and offer them for download on these operating systems. Once a user installs this app, the system is compromised and hackers gain access to his personal data like login details,  photos, videos, etc. An example of such attack is the phishing attack that targeted Snapchat users. Hackers sent a link to users via a compromised account. This link pointed to a mobile site that was designed to look like Snapchat login page. As the users entered their login information, the details were copied and saved by the hackers. The stolen login information including passwords of affected users was then publicly posted on a phishing site.
  2. Home Appliances: Hackers now use home appliances like smart refrigerators to launch an attack. The smart home devices are generally factory configured including a preset password. It is common for users to forget to reset or personalize their password which makes them an easy target for hackers.
  3. Your Car: Most cars are installed with wireless or Bluetooth connectivity. The system enables users to enjoy benefits like keyless entries, remote start, navigation, etc. These features collect data like locations saved in navigation system, location where car is parked and other such vulnerable data. Car manufacturers tie up with third party data storage companies to store this personal information of users. This provides an opportunity for hackers to breach the system and steal the data.
  4. Cash Register: Hackers steal payment card details of customers by using POS Malware. When a card is swiped to make the payment, the payment card data is encrypted. The data is then decrypted in RAM of processing device to complete the payment. POS Malware attacks inefficiently secured systems to steal the payment card details from their RAM. The unencrypted data is then sent to the hacker. Stolen card details are then sold by the hackers.
  5. Fax Machine: The communication protocols of fax machines offer security vulnerabilities that can be used as loopholes by the hackers to launch widespread cyberattacks in organizations. Hackers create a colored jpeg image file coded with any type of malware. The coded image is sent to a target fax device where the image is decoded and saved into fax-printer’s memory. The malware can now spread over any network to which the fax printer is connected.

For more information about cybersecurity risks, call Centex Technologies at (254) 213 – 4740.