How Hackers Target Organisations: Understanding the Latest Tactics

Hackers use a variety of tactics to target organisations. As cyber threats evolve, it’s important for companies to stay informed on the latest hacking methods in order to protect themselves. Here is an in-depth look at some of the ways hackers infiltrate systems and what can be done to prevent attacks:

Reconnaissance and Open Source Intelligence

Before launching an attack, hackers typically spend time gathering information about their target. This is known as reconnaissance. Hackers use open source intelligence (OSINT) techniques to find out as much as possible about an organisation before trying to infiltrate its networks.

Some common reconnaissance tactics include:

• Searching public databases – Hackers can find employee names, email addresses, and other helpful information in public data sources like WHOIS domain registration records or LinkedIn profiles.

• Scanning networks – Using network scanning tools, hackers can detect open ports, IP addresses, operating systems, and other vulnerabilities.

• Monitoring social media – Posts by employees can reveal details hackers can use to craft phishing emails or gain access.

• Dumpster diving – Hackers search through an organisation’s discarded materials for sensitive data.

To defend against reconnaissance, companies should limit the amount of public information available, monitor networks for scanning activity, and train employees on safe social media use. Multi-factor authentication can also help prevent access in case accounts are compromised.

Phishing and Social Engineering

One of the most common hacking techniques is phishing – using fraudulent emails or websites to trick victims into revealing sensitive information. Phishing messages are crafted to appear legitimate but contain malicious links or attachments.

Social engineering refers to the broader scope of manipulating people to divulge confidential data. This could involve phone calls, impersonating staff, or other traps.

Some examples of phishing and social engineering include:

• Spear phishing – Highly targeted emails sent to specific individuals within a company.

• Whaling – Phishing attacks directed at senior executives.

• Pretexting – Impersonating staff to gain access to systems.

• Baiting – Leaving infected USB drives or other malware in public places.

Organisations should train staff to identify and report suspicious messages or activity. Technology like email security filters can also help block phishing attempts.

Malware Infections

Malicious software (malware) is deployed by hackers to infiltrate networks and devices. Ransomware, viruses, trojans, spyware, and worms are used to steal data, encrypt files for ransom, or damage systems.

Tactics hackers use to spread malware include:

• Drive-by downloads – Malware downloaded onto a device simply by visiting a website.

• Attachments/links – Malicious files or links sent through phishing messages.

• Side-loading apps – Apps containing malware downloaded from third-party app stores.

• USB infection – Malware installed through compromised USB devices.

Recommended defenses include installing antivirus software, blocking suspicious sites, only downloading apps from official stores, and exercising caution with USB devices. Taking regular backups offline can also help recover from malware.

Password Attacks

Guessing weak passwords is a simple but common hacking tactic. Brute force attacks try passwords repeatedly until the right one works.

Other password attack strategies include:

• Password spraying – Trying a few common passwords across many accounts.

• Credential stuffing – Compromised username/password pairs are tested on other sites.

• Rainbow table attacks – Precomputed tables of hashed passwords are used to crack passwords in plaintext.

Organisations should enforce strong password policies with complexity requirements and frequent changes. Multi-factor authentication adds another layer of security. Password managers can also help employees use unique, complex passwords.

Denial of Service (DoS)

Denial of service (DoS) attacks aim to overwhelm systems and resources to disrupt services. These attacks are a major threat, as they can cost organisations significant revenue.

DoS methods include:

• Traffic flooding – Massive amounts of fake traffic directed at a website or network to take down servers.

• Application attacks – Targeting vulnerabilities to crash applications and systems.

• Distributed DoS (DDoS) – Using an army of devices to create an even larger flood of traffic.

Protections such as web application firewalls, increased bandwidth, and DDoS mitigation services help reduce the impact of DoS campaigns.

Supply Chain Compromises

Hackers increasingly target third parties as a way to access the systems of the organisations they actually want to breach. Weak security anywhere along the supply chain provides an opportunity for hackers.

Examples include:

• Software/vendor attacks – Inserting malware or backdoors into apps or equipment used by victims.

• Island hopping – Moving from one supplier’s network to another supplier or customer.

To guard against supply chain attacks, organisations should audit supplier cybersecurity practices, limit supplier access to networks, inspect third-party code/hardware, and compartmentalise systems.

Staying on top of the evolving tactics used by hackers is crucial for security. By understanding how organisations are targeted, companies can implement the right defenses and staff training to lock down their critical systems and data. Ongoing vigilance and adaptation are key to thwarting cyber threats.