Hackers are the most serious threat in the digitally connected world. There are hundreds of thousands, even millions, of hackers ready to breach network security systems and steal data.
Hacking incidents always cause a stir. However, it is rarely known who the hackers behind the actions are. So, who exactly are hackers? How do they work? Let's dive into the explanation in this article!
What is a Hacker
A hacker is an individual with high programming skills capable of breaking into computer network security systems. Hackers are usually required to have a deep understanding of computers, hardware and software, programming, and networks.
The purposes of hackers in hacking can vary greatly, from testing security systems to committing criminal acts that harm certain parties. Hackers often target and look for security loopholes on government websites, large companies, banks, and other important institutions.
In our minds, the term hacker is often negatively connoted and associated with cyber crimes that cause harm. However, it should be noted that not all hacking activities have malicious intentions. Hackers are also needed by IT teams for positive purposes such as testing and strengthening security systems.
Moreover, there are also hackers officially tasked with testing certain data security systems. Therefore, it can be concluded that hackers have different types and roles.
History of Hackers
1. Origin of the Word "Hacker"
According to The New Yorker, the word "hacking" was not originally related to technology. The term was first used in a technological context in 1955 by the Technical Model Railroad Club at MIT, describing how they modified high-tech railroad devices.
2. Change in Connotation
The term "hacker" initially had a positive connotation but turned negative after a series of technological crimes. One such crime occurred in 1979 by Kevin Mitnick, considered the first hacker. He breached the computer system of Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) in America. Since then, hacking has been considered a crime.
3. Hacktivism
Over time, the concept of "hacktivism" emerged, a combination of hacking and social activism. In 2003, the international hacktivist group Anonymous was formed. They are known for their Guy Fawkes masks. To this day, hackers are often associated with masks and concealed identities.
Types of Hackers
According to Panda Security, here are various types of hackers with different purposes:
1. White Hat Hacker / Certified Ethical Hacker
White hat hackers are tasked with testing and evaluating the weaknesses of a system to improve its security. This type of hacker has been authorized to find system weaknesses, thus they are allowed to perform ethical hacking.
White Hat Hackers report all discovered security loopholes to the relevant parties and are responsible for fixing these weaknesses to prevent external attacks by malicious hackers. Generally, this type of hacker is employed by governments or large businesses to prevent cyber attacks.
2. Black Hat Hacker
Black hat hackers are the most well-known and need to be watched out for. This type of hacker is a cybercriminal who breaches computer systems with malicious or criminal intent, usually for illegal purposes. They have advanced technical knowledge and skills to find cyber security loopholes. Black hat hackers exploit weaknesses in systems to steal personal data, damage computer systems, or alter important networks.
3. Blue Hat Hacker
Blue hat hackers have two meanings:
First, they are hackers with a motive for revenge. They usually hack to get personal revenge against someone or a former boss, damaging data, websites, or the enemy's devices.
Second, blue hat hackers are third-party professionals who work for companies or organizations. They are often invited by companies to test new software and find intrusion loopholes before release.
4. Red Hat Hacker
Red hat hackers are hackers recruited by government agencies to find vulnerabilities and bugs in security systems. They focus on countering attacks from black hat hackers, even using the same tactics such as viruses, malware, and other strategies to attack black hat hackers.
5. Grey Hat Hacker
This type of hacker hacks into networks and computer systems without criminal intent, just for fun. However, from this fun, they often find weaknesses in a network and inform the owners. They tend to hack without the owner's permission and sometimes will only fix the system's weaknesses if rewarded.
Various Methods Used by Hackers
Hackers use several methods to hack. Here are some of their methods:
1. Password Hacking
Password hacking is a common practice in the hacking world. Hackers use various methods to obtain passwords from victim accounts. They guess various combinations and possible passwords or use simple algorithms that generate combinations of numbers, letters, and symbols to identify passwords.
2. Malware Infection
Hackers infiltrate user devices to install viruses or malware. This method occurs when hackers target victims through emails or instant messages. This method is commonly called phishing. Users typically receive messages asking them to click or download certain files or applications. The file then spreads malware that can infect and damage computer systems.
3. Email Spying
Hackers often spy on target users' emails. They create codes to intercept and read emails. Therefore, users need to install encryption to protect their emails.
4. Keylogging
This hacking method tracks every word and key pressed on a computer keyboard. Special programs, if installed, will record all user keystrokes so hackers can steal data and privacy. This is very dangerous because users might not realize that their computer has been infected.
5. Social Engineering
Social engineering is a manipulative technique designed to exploit human error to gain access to personal or financial information. Hackers use fake identities and psychological tricks to make people disclose their personal information. This method is often combined with phishing, spam emails, instant messages, or fake websites.
6. Backdoor Programs
Hackers often create programs that create unprotected pathways into computer systems. They infect computers with Trojans to gain access and steal important data without the user's knowledge.
7. Exploiting Unsecured Wi-Fi
Hackers can also infiltrate by exploiting open, unsecured Wi-Fi networks. This method is known as wardriving. Once a user's device connects to unsecured Wi-Fi, hackers simply bypass basic security to access devices connected to that network.
8. Presentation and Injection Attack with Deepfake
Presentation Attack is an attempt to deceive biometric verification and authentication systems by presenting fake biometrics using deepfake. The goal is to gain illegal access to security systems.
Meanwhile, Injection Attack is an attack involving the injection of malicious code or commands into biometric systems to gain unauthorized access and manipulate the system. For example, fraudsters inject deepfake audio into voice recognition systems in verification systems. Like Presentation Attack, this attack aims to gain illegal access to security systems.
Cyber attacks caused by hackers require different handling approaches. For Presentation Attack and Injection Attack, use VIDA Deepfake Shield to strengthen verification security. VIDA Deepfake Shield is enhanced with the ability to control the entire process in biometric systems, quickly preventing even the smallest fraud loopholes.