5 Common Ways Hackers Get Into Your Network Infrastructure

There are lots of ways that a hacker can get into your network infrastructure and cause havoc. Here are 5 ways they may get in, all of which are preventable with the correct procedures and IT security.

1. Socially Engineered Malware

This is the no.1 method of attack at the time of writing. It involves tricking end users into running “Trojan Horse” programs that come from trusted sites. The website is temporarily compromised, delivering malware that tells the user to install a new piece of software in order to proceed. They’ll keep being given prompts to click past security warnings and disable defences. Might sound like something you wouldn’t get caught out by, but they’re surprisingly believable and they’re responsible for millions of hacks yearly.

2. Phishing

Around 70% of all email is spam, and a huge proportion of that spam is phishing attacks created to trick users into handing over important information. The attacker masquerades as a reputable person or organisation, distributing links and attachments that when opened steal login credentials and account details.

3. Out Of Date Software

If your software is past its sell by date and missing out on the latest patches and updates, you’re gambling with your IT security. Technology has a way of becoming damaged in ways that aren’t obvious. Cyber criminals, however, can easily spot flaws in software and use them as a way into your network.

4. Social Media

Social media is brilliant. It connects us with people from all over the world, opening up whole new commercial opportunities that would have never been possible even 20 years ago. But it’s not without its problems. Corporate hackers are always on the lookout for new ways to hack into your Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn accounts and steal your contacts. Or identity.

5. Mobile Apps

A lot of people think that if an app is available through Google Play or Apple it’s safe. That’s not always the case and many apps contain malicious codes that can steal your data and compromise users’ privacy. If your staff are using their own devices for work, there’s potential for a data disaster.

Does it all seem a bit real now? You are very likely to be using apps and social media to run your business. A lot of these are easily preventable with a plan of action to deter hacks and to deal with them when they occur.