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The terms hackers, cybercriminals, state-sponsored attackers have made the news so many times in the last few years that most people are insensitive to them. However, you should care deeply about who they are and what they can do. Cyber attackers are not just some faceless hackers who try to steal data or cause chaos on the internet. They are real people who can cause immense harm to you, me, and everyone else.
Just think about the consequences of a successful cyber attack. It can lead to your personal information being stolen, your bank accounts being drained, your emails being read, your social media accounts being hijacked, and your devices being held for ransom. Cyber attacks can also cripple entire organizations, from small businesses to large corporations, leading to job losses, financial losses, and reputational damage.
But it’s not just the direct consequences of a cyber attack that you should be worried about. It’s the ripple effects that it can have on our society as a whole. Cyber attackers can target critical infrastructure, such as power grids, hospitals, and transportation systems, causing widespread disruption and even loss of life. They can also spread misinformation and propaganda, sowing division and undermining democracy.
So, why should you care about cyber attackers? Because they pose a real and present threat to our security, our economy, and our way of life. Ignoring them won’t make them go away. They are not just a technical problem – they are a human problem. They threaten our privacy, our finances, our safety, and our democracy. We cannot afford to be complacent or indifferent. We must care, and we must act.
1. Who are the cyber attackers?
Cyber attackers can refer to a wide variety of individuals, groups, or organizations who use technology to gain unauthorized access to systems, networks, or devices for malicious purposes. They can be characterized by their motivations, the tactics they use and their targets.
- Script-kiddies are individuals who lack the technical knowledge and expertise to develop their own hacking tools or exploits, but instead rely on using pre-existing tools and scripts to carry out their attacks. These individuals often use automated tools and scripts to scan networks and systems for vulnerabilities, and then use readily available exploits to exploit these vulnerabilities and gain unauthorized access to systems or data.
- Insiders are attackers who have authorized access to a system or network but use their privileges for malicious purposes. Their tactics may include stealing data, installing malware, or causing damage to systems. Their targets are typically their own organizations or employers.
- Opportunistic attackers are motivated by the opportunity to exploit vulnerabilities in systems or networks, and they typically use automated tools to scan for and exploit weaknesses. Their tactics may include phishing, malware, or exploiting unpatched software. Their targets can be almost anyone with an internet-connected device.
- Hacktivists are motivated by social or political causes and use hacking as a form of activism. Their tactics include website defacement, DDoS attacks, and data leaks. Their targets are typically organizations or governments that they see as standing in opposition to their cause.
- Financially motivated attackers are driven by financial gain and often use tactics such as phishing, malware, and ransomware to steal money or sensitive information. Their targets are typically businesses and individuals with valuable assets or financial information.
- Cybercriminal organizations are motivated by financial gain and operate like businesses, with specialized teams focused on different types of attacks such as credit card theft, fraud, or ransomware. Their tactics vary depending on their goals but may include phishing, malware, or social engineering. Their targets are typically businesses and individuals with valuable information or assets.
- State-sponsored attackers are motivated by political, economic, or military goals. They often use advanced techniques such as zero-day exploits and custom malware to gain access to sensitive government or corporate data. Their targets are typically government agencies, defense contractors, and other organizations with strategic importance.
- Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs) are a specific type of cyber attacker that differs from other types in their tactics, targets, and motivations. APTs are typically highly skilled and well-resourced attackers who use advanced techniques to infiltrate and maintain long-term access to specific targets, such as government agencies, defense contractors, or large corporations.
2. How do cyber attackers choose their targets, and what factors influence their decisions?
Cyber attackers use various methods to choose their targets, such as scanning for vulnerabilities in software, hardware, and systems. They also pay close attention to individuals or organizations that have weak passwords, outdated software, or unsecured wireless networks, as these vulnerabilities make it easier for them to gain unauthorized access.
Perceived value is another factor that can influence a cyber attacker’s decision to target an organization or individual. Financial institutions, healthcare providers, and government agencies are often targeted because they store sensitive or valuable information. Additionally, cyber attackers may target high-profile individuals or organizations to gain notoriety or cause reputational damage.
Social engineering is another tactic that cyber attackers frequently use to target individuals based on their roles or behaviors. For example, they may use phishing emails or phone calls to trick employees into revealing login credentials or other sensitive information.
Motivations for cyber attacks can vary widely, from financial gain to political or ideological goals. As such, it’s important to have a comprehensive approach to cybersecurity that includes technical controls, employee training, and incident response planning. By understanding how cyber attackers choose their targets, organizations can take proactive steps to better protect themselves against cyber threats.
3. What can you do when facing a cyber attack?
4. What resources are available to help you better understand and defend against cyber attackers?
1) Books
- Kingdom of Lies: Adventures in cybercrime – by Kate F.
- Kingpin: How One Hacker Took Over the Billion-Dollar Cybercrime Underground – by Kevin Poulsen
- Cybercriminals (True Books) – by Wil Mara
- Cybercriminal Networks: Origin, growth and criminal capabilities – by Rutger Leukfeldt
- Forensics To Expose Cybercriminals A Complete Guide – 2019 Edition – by Gerardus Blokdyk
- Cyber Mercenaries: The State, Hackers, and Power – by Tim Maurer
2) Courses
- Introduction to Cybercrime by Udemy
- Cyber Crime and Cyber Security Training by Cognixia
- Cyber crime awareness training by IMC
- OPSWAT Email Security Associate (OESA) by OPSWAT Academy
3) Certifications
4) Documents
5) Podcasts
- The Lazarus Heist by BBC
- To Catch A Hacker by Third Way
- China’s Unrestricted Cyberwarfare by Malicious Life Podcast
For more content about Cyber Attackers, visit:
https://cybermaterial.com/attackers/
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This article was written by Marc R with the support of Team CyberMaterial, Sofia C. V., Nicolás P , Fabino R. D
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