How Hackers Exploit Your Physical Vulnerabilities

Anyone who uses a device to connect to the internet is vulnerable to hacking attacks. Back in the 90s, humanity was introduced to new possibilities through the rise of the Internet. This spawned entire new industries and also, unfortunately, opened up a whole new world for the connected criminal. From the launch of spam and viruses all the way to hackers, cybercrime has wrought havoc on personal and business networks.

?This is particularly true with the rise of dedicated hackers. These cybercriminals focus on infiltrating your devices, stealing personal information, tricking you into revealing private data, and using that data to steal and extort personal information, such as business secrets, bank account credentials, and even people's identities.

?Before we explore why you could be vulnerable to hackers, let’s do a little refresh on the top 4 reasons why hackers hack.

1. ?Financial reasons: Where a hacker wants to steal your money or your financial data so that they can steal your financial resources for their own gain.
2. To be destructive: Some hackers are pretty much cyber vandals, showing off their hacking skills to other hackers and the world. It’s more common than you think.
3. To make a point: Also called ‘hacktivism,’ this form of hacking seeks to alter or destroy certain websites, usually for politically motivated reasons.
4. To spy: This is commonly called corporate espionage, where hackers hack into other companies' devices to steal their information on another company’s behalf so that they can use it to build an unfair competitive advantage.

?So, How Are You Vulnerable To Hackers?

?Yes, being connected is essential in this day and age. But all this interconnectedness is being exploited by hackers, especially if you’re vulnerable in some way. For example, you tap into every available Wi-Fi signal that pops up, your use of poor passwords, you don’t update your software, you click on links from unknown email addresses and visit suspicious websites. These activities all make you vulnerable.

But there’s another way that your business could be vulnerable to hacking and that’s through physical weak spots in your business.

?Physical Vulnerabilities Are Often Overlooked

Just so that we’re on the same page, a physical vulnerability is a flaw or weakness in your data system or its hosting environment.

Hackers can and do exploit physical weak spots and unfortunately, many businesses tend to overlook this specific type of vulnerability when they’re reviewing their business’ cyber security. ?

Examples of physical vulnerabilities and how to avoid them:

?●???????Data rooms or storage are unmonitored and need surveillance (CCTV).

●???????Server rooms or devices containing sensitive information, this may include printers or other end point devices are not secure and there is a need for a change or the addition of security protocols.

●???????Hard drives and other connecting/storage external drives are unsecured, security and data backup measures should be in place, especially in the cloud instead of only on physical devices

●???????Data access has not been restricted and staff/employees have access to all your information. ?Permissions need to be set to restrict access to any sensitive information from unauthorised users.

?Cybersecurity and taking the appropriate precautions is of the utmost importance. However, this isn’t a world that’s easily navigated on your own. It’s best to talk to a trusted service provider and at Vision Catcher, we can help protect your business by using expert, quality IT and cyber security solutions that leave no stone (physical or not) unturned.

Talk to us about how we can help you today.