Internet users tend to react to the inherent risk of being hacked while browsing in two ways: by being more careful, or by ignoring the potential risk (we don’t matter to anyone, right?).
Cybercriminals use this common opinion to their advantage. The vast majority of Internet users don’t even use 2-Step Authenticator, a very useful tool that is hard for hackers to bypass.
This is a big problem because most people now rely on their personal devices and online accounts to access and store sensitive information: from health reports to financial documents and work materials.
Do not update laptops and smartphones with the latest security patches, use public Wi-Fi networks without a VPN, and use the same password for all online accounts. these are the habits that make consumers vulnerable to hackers.
And all this ends in a very dangerous process, which we will now explain.
What do hackers do with our information when they hack us?
Hackers do all these things with our data: sell them, expose them, demand a ransom, extract valuable information such as credit card numbers, use them for other hacks, or simply brag about them.
Some hacks have nothing to do with money but the attackers want revenge. Others hack supposedly “unhackable” systems or organizations just to show off or leak data in retaliation for something.
However, most cybercriminals are looking for financial gain and the stolen data may contain sensitive information. From credentials to credit cards to social security numbers, everything is stored in the cloud today.
Hacked data is also sold in bulk on the dark web. Social Security numbers can be sold for as little as $1credit or debit cards from 50 cents to $1 per card, and Paypal credentials can cost up to $200.
Given the rise of blockchain technology, it is also not surprising to learn that digital wallet credentials and NFT site credentials are also being targeted by hackers.
Finally, the data can be used to steal identity, commit fraud, further hacks, and even vandalize websites. F1 Solutions is warning about all of these practices so that we are aware of the importance of our internet security.
SonicWall, a global leader in security intelligence, reported that there were over 623 million ransomware attacks worldwide in 2021; this represents a staggering 105% increase over the previous year.
Source: Computer Hoy
I am Bret Jackson, a professional journalist and author for Gadget Onus, where I specialize in writing about the gaming industry. With over 6 years of experience in my field, I have built up an extensive portfolio that ranges from reviews to interviews with top figures within the industry. My work has been featured on various news sites, providing readers with insightful analysis regarding the current state of gaming culture.
