In the digital age where all information that keeps your business running is online, hackers can be a more serious threat than you might have thought. Hackers can pose significant threats from stealing sensitive data to disrupting your businesses operations. In saying that not all hackers are bad, or will be targeting your business, so it is important to know the different types of hackers, and where the threat will come from.
Protect yourself from cybersecurity threats with a trusted IT services company. Contact Connected Platforms for a FREE IT Health Check via the contact form or by calling us on 07 3062 6932.
Different Types of Hackers
Different kinds of hackers have been categorised inside the community based on their skill and intent when hacking. We are going to run through the most common hackers and discuss if they pose any threat to your business.
White Hat Hackers
A white hat hacker, also known as an ethical hacker, would be no threat to your business. In fact, they are actually helpful as they are usually hired to identify and fix vulnerabilities in your system. They usually have permission form the business and help to strengthen your internet security. Out of all the different kinds of hackers, they are the best.
Black Hat Hackers
On the complete opposite end is black hat hackers. These hackers are the traditional cybercriminals who are aiming to get unauthorised access to systems and computers with malicious intent. Unlike the white hat hackers, when a black hat hacker finds a vulnerability, they exploit it, often by deploying a virus or malware. These hackers can cause significant harm to your business and IT setups.
Grey Hat Hackers
Grey hat hackers are in between white hats and black hats. They don’t share the criminal or malicious intent with the black hats, but don’t have permission like the white hats. Grey hat hackers uncover weaknesses and vulnerabilities and report them. When the report them they will often withhold information and ask for money. They don’t pose a massive threat to your business, beside maybe having to pay them.
Script Kiddies
Script kiddies is the name given to amateur hackers by the community. These hackers often lack the technical skills needed to create their own programs for hacking or conduct sophisticated attacks. Because of this they use scripts create by others. These hackers can be dangerous as they don’t fully understand the programs they are using, or the damage they can do.
Identifying the Warning Signs
When looking for signs that you may be the victim of a cyber-attack it is important to know that the signs will be different for different types of hackers. Keep an eye out for these common signs including unusual login activity, unexpected changes in system configurations, sudden slowdowns in the network performance, or unauthorised access attempts. If you notice anything suspicious it is best to contact the professionals and understand how to protect yourself.
Ways to Protect Against Hackers
Methods of protection will differ for different kinds of hackers. A good place to start is to conduct regular updates to your system, as this will help to protect against potential threats. Other measures like introducing strong password policies will reduce a common vulnerability, as it is important that you educate employees about cyber security and best practices. An example of this is not opening phishing emails. Finally, it is recommended that you conduct regular security audits or get a managed IT solution.
Get Protected with Connected Platforms
If you need managed IT services for business, the team here at Connected Platforms has you sorted. We help protect your IT systems and technology, your business from disruptions, and your operations in general. Keep your organisation safe from hackers and any other unwanted threats by working with us today. Contact us for a FREE IT Health Check via the contact form or by calling us on 07 3062 6932.
