In today’s digital age, having an online presence can put individuals and businesses at risk of cyber attacks. From data breaches to financial theft, the threat of cyber attacks is constantly increasing. However, many non-technical users may not understand the basic Hacking terminologies and techniques used in hacking. They may believe that simply installing an anti-virus is enough to keep their online activities safe.
However, hackers are constantly finding new ways to bypass security measures. It is important for non-technical users to familiarize themselves with basic hacking terminologies in order to protect themselves from potential attacks. Ignoring this knowledge can lead to costly consequences in the event of a cyber attack.
Here are top 10 Hacking Terminologies you must know to be aware of various online cyber-attacks.
Table of Contents
01. Phishing Attack
Phishing is the most common type of cyber attack that aims to trick individuals into giving away sensitive information, such as passwords or credit card numbers, by disguising as a trustworthy source. It is typically done through email, phone calls, or text messages. The attacker may impersonate a well-known company or organisation and ask for personal information or direct the victim to a fake website that looks identical to the legitimate one. It is important to be aware of phishing attempts and to never provide personal information or click on links from unknown sources. Some common red flags to look out for include spelling errors, generic greetings, and urgent requests for personal information.
02. Malware
Malware is a type of software that is designed to harm or exploit a computer system. These malicious programs can be spread through various means such as email attachments, infected websites, and software downloads. Once a computer is infected with malware, it can cause a variety of problems such as slowing down the performance, stealing personal information, or even completely destroying the system. Hackers often use malware to gain access to a system and steal sensitive information. It’s important to keep your computer and software updated, and to use reputable anti-virus software to protect against malware.
03. Trojan
A Trojan, also known as a Trojan horse, is a type of malware that disguises itself as a legitimate program. Trojans are often spread through email attachments or by downloading software from untrusted websites. Once a Trojan is installed on a computer, it can give hackers access to the infected machine and allow them to steal personal information, install additional malware, or even control the computer remotely. To protect yourself from Trojans, it’s important to only download software from trusted sources, keep your antivirus software up to date, and be cautious when opening email attachments.
04. MITM
A man-in-the-middle (MITM) attack is a type of cyber attack where an attacker intercepts and alters communications between two parties. This can happen in various ways such as through a public Wi-Fi network, email or social media platform, or phone calls. The attacker can use this information to steal sensitive information, or to impersonate one of the parties and trick the other party into providing sensitive information. To protect against man-in-the-middle attacks, it’s important to use secure connections such as HTTPS or VPNs, to be cautious when using public Wi-Fi, and to verify the identity of the person you are communicating with.
05. Smishing
Smishing is a form of phishing that uses SMS (Short Message Service) text messages to trick people into giving away sensitive information, such as login credentials or financial information. The text message may appear to be from a legitimate source, such as a bank or a government agency, and may ask the recipient to click on a link or call a phone number to update their information. However, the link or phone number leads to a fake website or a scammer who will try to steal the person’s information. It’s important to be cautious of unsolicited text messages, and never click on links or provide personal information without verifying the authenticity of the message first.
06. Keylogger
Keylogger is a type of malicious software that tracks and records every single keystroke made on an infected device. This type of malware can be extremely dangerous as it can capture sensitive information such as passwords, credit card numbers, and personal data, which can be used by cybercriminals for identity theft or financial fraud. Keyloggers can be installed on a device without the user’s knowledge, making them a stealthy and hard-to-detect form of malware. It is important to protect your device with anti-virus software and to be cautious when opening emails or clicking on links from unknown sources to avoid falling victim to keylogger malware.
07. Spam
SPAM is unwanted or unsolicited email messages that are sent in bulk to a large number of recipients. These messages typically contain commercial or advertising content, such as offers for products or services, and often include hyperlinks to websites or attachments that can contain malware. Spam messages can be sent by individuals or organizations, and are often sent using automated tools. Spam can be a nuisance as it can fill up your inbox, making it difficult to find important messages. It can also be a security concern as it can contain links to phishing websites or malware that can harm your computer.
08. Ransomware
Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts or locks a victim’s files and demands payment, usually in the form of cryptocurrency, in exchange for the decryption key or a promise to restore access to the locked files. This type of malware often infects a computer through phishing emails or infected attachments. Once the ransomware is installed on a device, it can spread quickly to other connected devices, making the encryption of multiple systems at once. Some ransomware also threatens to publish or delete the encrypted files if the ransom is not paid, making the recovery of the data impossible. The best way to avoid falling victim to this type of attack is to keep all software updated, use anti-virus and anti-malware software, and regularly back up important data.
09. Encryption
Encryption is a way of hiding information by converting it into a coded format that can only be accessed by those who have the key to decrypt it. This technique is used to protect sensitive information from being viewed by unauthorized parties. However, encryption is not only used for legitimate means but also by cybercriminals who use it to launch ransomware attacks. These attacks lock the victims’ computer systems and encrypt their files, making them inaccessible until a ransom is paid for the decryption key. Encryption in this context is used as a means of extortion.
10. Adware
Adware is a type of software that secretly monitors a user’s internet browsing activity and generates advertisements based on their browsing history. Some adware is designed to display ads in an excessive or aggressive manner, which can slow down the performance of the device. Additionally, adware can collect personal information, browsing history, and other sensitive data, which can be used for phishing attacks. Adware is generally considered unwanted, as it can be difficult to remove and can compromise the privacy of the user. It is important to be cautious when downloading and installing software, and to use anti-virus software to help protect against adware.
Additionally you can also checkout our previous posts on Ethical Hacking :- Skills and Resources to Become Ethical Hacker in 2023 , Top 7 Free Courses To Learn Ethical Hacking !
Conclusion, there are many different hacking terminologies that are important to understand in order to stay protected from cyber threats. In this post we discussed top 10 of them, understanding these terms can help to protect against cyber threats, and it is important to stay informed and vigilant to stay safe online.
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