Why do hackers do what they
do?
There are several reasons why a hacker would
compromise an otherwise secured system. Here are just a few of them
1. For financial gain
This is no surprise as money is a major motivator for
most of the things we do. In some cases, hackers attack major establishments
to steal sensitive data. In some other cases, hackers compromise
regular sites to upload malicious scripts which they use to send out
scam mails to unsuspecting victims.
2. To make a statement
Some hackers compromise systems to make a statement. There
have been several
cases in the past where hackers have defaced
government websites in solidarity of ongoing discuss, using the sites
as a medium to send their messages. Some hackers also deface a lot of
regular website to spread their message of terror.
3. To test their skills
Some hackers also gain access to secured system for
bragging rights. They love the challenge and they are usually not
quiet about this. In many cases, they target the most secured systems
just so they can say that they were the ones that compromised them.
In some other cases, hackers just simply want you to know that your
site just isn't safe.
As you must have noticed above, anyone may be a target
of a hacker, regardless of how insignificant you think your site is.
What can I do?
While providers, such as WhoGoHost, have gone to
extensive lengths to protect their systems from grand compromises,
the weakest link is from the user. Imagine you purchased a house with
the state of the art security system, doors that are impenetrable and
windows that cannot break. What happens when you do not lock the
door? That is exactly the situation when you do not take necessary
security steps to protect your site.
Here are some tips that should help you
1. Always use STRONG passwords
I know you want to use a password that you can easily
remember. But your phone number, date of birth or even your middle
name are not good passwords! Most sites are compromised because of
weak passwords as hackers run scripts that basically try to gain
access using several possible passwords. The weaker your password,
the faster they gain access.
A strong password usually contains a mix of upper and
lower case alphabets, numbers and special characters and should be at
least 10 characters long. You may also generate a strong password
from sites such asstrongpasswordgenerator.com. You should also never use the same
password for more than one account. You are always safer with a
strong password.
2. Always use safe and secured devices and networks
Ensure that you have updated antivirus software
running on all devices that you use to access your secured backends.
Also, be sure to only use networks that you can trust to prevent your
login details from being stolen
3. Secure your application and always update your
scripts
Are you using Joomla, WordPress or any other popular
CMS to manage your site? These applications are constantly attacked
by hackers so you should ensure they are always updated and you only
use plugins/components/extensions from trusted vendors. You should
also take additional steps to secure your installation. You may click here for more details.
4. Never share your login details with anyone
If you must give your login details to anyone, ensure
that you change your password once the person is finished with it.
The only person you can truly trust is yourself!
5. Get SiteLock!
SiteLock helps you scan your site and remove malware.
It also gives you suggestions on how to better secure your account
after performing an in depth analysis of your site. Protect your site today and get SiteLock
Source of information: Toba O. CEO, WhoGoHost Limited
they can be reach at support@whogohost.com
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