Different Types Of Hacking: A Guide To Cybersecurity

Hacking is any activity that involves the misuse or unauthorized access of data, systems, networks, applications, and devices by a third party.

It is usually carried out for the purpose of gathering information, corrupting systems, stealing data, disrupting activities, or diagnosing weaknesses in a computer system or network.

Modern-day hacking typically involves the use of stealth attacks and sophisticated computer hardware and software.

These combined with the coding skills of the person initiating the hack are leveraged to undermine the security and safety of a system without alerting the owner, IT personnel, or cybersecurity program responsible for monitoring the system.

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Cybersecurity attacks, which is the malicious form of hacking, have been on the rise in recent years. Whether you’re an individual or a business, chances are you’re going to be the target of some kind of hacking attempt at some point as long as you’re connected to the internet.

The only way to prevent being a victim of cyberattacks and suffering undue losses when they occur is to prepare for them by understanding what they are and taking preventive action.

This guide is going to walk you through what you need to know about the different types of hacking and how to protect yourself and your systems from exploitative third-party interference.

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Brief History of Hacking

The term “hacking” originated in the 1960s when members of the Tech Model Railway Club at MIT began coming up with tricks to alter the functions of their high-tech train sets.

When these MIT students gained access to the mainframe computers in their day they had limited time to explore its capabilities so they started designing programming shortcuts to help them complete computing tasks faster.

They continued calling their attempts at shifting paradigms and pushing systems beyond imagined boundaries “hacks”. Some of these hacks turned out to be better than existing programs and helped birth a new generation of technology and operating systems.

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One such example is UNIX which was created by Dennis Ritchie and Keith Thompson, two Bell Lab employees in 1969. By the 1970s hacking as a serious endeavor had begun to take root in society.

The most popular instance of hacking occurred in 1971 when John Draper figured out how to game the telephone system to make long-distance calls for free using a toy whistle found in packs of Cap’n Crunch cereal.

This activity became known as “phreaking” and was tested by many hackers and computer enthusiasts including Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak, who will later go on to found one of the most influential tech companies in the world.

In the 1980s, personal computers became more widespread and ARPANET was transforming into the Internet, connecting more people to the online world.

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This energized the hacking community and led to the creation of hacker groups like 414, LOD, and MOD which, in turn, sparked rivalries and online warfare within the hacking community.

The notoriety of hacking and the daring crackers behind them continued to rise in the 1990s and 2000s with new and vicious kinds of hacks being launched against people, businesses, and government entities across the world.

Despite the legislation that has been enacted and the amazing work ethical cybersecurity experts have done to minimize and discourage malicious hacking over the years, it has continued to evolve and maintain its influence in today’s digital age.

The Purpose and Impact of Hacking

Hacking isn’t inherently bad nor does it have a singular purpose. It just depends on what the hacker’s goals are. Some hackers launch cyber security attacks to test or discover the flaws in a system so they can be fixed.

Others do it purely for experimental and educational purposes to gauge their abilities and see how far they can go.

However, some people engage in hacking with the intention of stealing sensitive data, exposing damaging secrets to the general public, sabotaging specific operations, or enriching themselves.

The damage that hackers can cause depends on how much access they gain to your system. The impact of their illicit operations can range from data theft to system shutdowns, data damage, financial losses, and even legal liabilities.

It’s usually better to take steps to prevent hackers from accessing your system and data than to risk the consequences that may follow if they breach your network.

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Understanding Computer Systems and Networks

Before we go any further, there is some foundational knowledge you need to know about computer systems and how they work.

Basics of Computer Systems

Computer systems are programmable digital electronic devices that can receive data inputs, process them according to the instructions given, and return the desired output or information.

It involves many components such as hardware, software, firmware, humanware, and bridgeware that work hand-in-hand to achieve a specific result. Hardware can be anything from a monitor to a smartphone, or a gamebox.

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Software also comes in different types and functionalities such as operating systems (Linux, Ubuntu, Windows, macOS), application software (Google Suite, Chrome, Bing, Twitter, McAfee, etc.), and e-accessibility software (screen reader, voice recognition, video games, etc.)

The user utilizes the hardware to communicate with the system via an application software and then enters the command or data they want processed.

Then the computer system will then process this data and generate the required results by prompting the application system to interact with the hardware’s operating system.

Basics of Computer Networks

Computer networks refer to the connections formed by two or more computers to share resources, exchange data, provide support, and communicate with each other.

The devices within a network employ a system of rules known as communication protocols that govern how to transfer data using wireless or physical technologies.

Beyond interacting with each other, modern-day computer networks can be integrated with one another to form a massive, high-performing network using the power of automation.

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Physically distributed networks can be linked to function virtually by way of the internet. These networks also help to secure the data they transmit and they can control and reroute digital traffic in real-time to maintain optimal operation.

There are several types of computer networks in use:

• Local area networks – This connects digital devices within a given premise such as an office building or apartment.
• Wide area networks – This covers a broader range of devices in multiple buildings, cities, and countries.
• Cloud networks – This is similar to WAN, except that its infrastructure is delivered and managed by cloud-based service providers.
• Service provider networks – These are the networks controlled by data carriers, internet service providers, telecommunication companies, cable operators, etc, and rented to customers for a price.

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Security Systems

Security systems are programs designed to protect computer networks and systems and the data they store or transmit from being accessed or used by unauthorized parties.

They are usually installed on computer systems or built into networks to safeguard information from being stolen, damaged, or interfered with in any capacity from threatening activities like hacking.

The different types of security systems that can be used to preserve the integrity of any data contained in computers or devices include information security, network security, application security, cybersecurity, and endpoint security.

Different Types of Hacking

Hacking can take several forms based on the intentions behind the action and each form poses its own set of risks or advantages. Let’s find out what they are.

Ethical (White Hat) Hacking

Ethical or White Hat hacking is carried out by cybersecurity professionals who are qualified and authorized to hack systems and uncover any weaknesses or flaws present within them that can be exploited by malicious third parties.

This information will then be used by the system owners to strengthen their security processes to prevent or redirect potential attacks.

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Ethical hacking can also be orchestrated during or after a cyber attack to identify where the threats and breaches in a network are coming from and nullify them before greater harm is done or fix any damages that have already occurred.

For hacking to be ethical and therefore legal, the individual must have express permission from the owner of the system to break into it to detect or remedy hidden vulnerabilities, threats, or data breaches.

The techniques an ethical hacker uses will depend on the type of computer system or network being investigated or in the case of an active or recent breach, the methods malicious hackers leveraged to attack the system.

Grey Hat Hacking

Grey Hat hacking straddles the line between White Hat and Black Hat hacking. It involves breaking into a computer system or network without gaining permission and without malicious intent.

Grey Hat hackers don’t use their skills for overt personal gain or for the benefit of an organization, they simply penetrate systems for the fun of it. The purpose of this kind of hacking is to test the attacker’s skills and acquire more experience.

However, some Grey Hat hackers might go the extra mile and inform the owners of the system they breach about any loopholes they found.

Although Grey Hat hacking isn’t launched with the intention of stealing or harming anything, it is still considered illegal because it is unsanctioned.

Black Hat (Unethical) Hacking

When a system or network is penetrated with the aim of compromising it, destroying data, or stealing information for profit, personal gain, or harassment purposes, it is known as Black Hat or unethical hacking.

Black Hat hackers launch their attacks with malicious intent; they do not have the approval of the system owners. They look for weaknesses within a system so they can exploit it to enrich themselves or serve some other selfish and sinister interest.

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Their actions amount to security violations and are completely illegal so they are essentially cybercriminals.

Many unethical hackers are highly-skilled computer experts but unlike their White Hat counterparts, they have resolved to use their powers to do wrong and break the law.

The techniques used for Black Hat hacking will depend on the attacker’s know-how, experience, and intentions. They include but are not limited to URL meddling, password busting, sniffing attacks, malware construction, port scans, network snorting, and social engineering.

Hacktivism

Activism-based hacking or hacktivism is any kind of hacking activity motivated by political reasons.

It usually involves an individual or group of hackers who carry out attacks on government-owned websites or networks belonging to specific organizations as an act of religious, social, or political activism.

Hactivists break into networks to steal information or break them down to send a message to the owners or some section of the general populace. They will use any legal or legally ambiguous methods and tools at their disposal to make their point including:

• Defacing target web pages.
• Launching Denial of Services attacks.
• Holding virtual sit-ins.
• Protestware and website mirroring.
• Forming virtual blockades.
• Email-bombing user inboxes.

There are several high-profile hacktivists groups operating today and they have been responsible for some of the most audacious and biggest hacking attacks of the last two decades.

Examples of these cyber vigilante groups include Anonymous, The Syrian Electronic Army, WikiLeaks, LulzSec, Guardians of Peace, Masters of Deception, and the Hong Kong Blondes.

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Different Techniques Used in Hacking

Hackers have different ways of penetrating systems or exploiting vulnerabilities within networks. Understanding some of the most common techniques used in cyber attacks will enable you to implement adequate cybersecurity measures to keep your systems and data safe.

1. Phishing

Phishing is a kind of social engineering attack in which the hacker impersonates someone on your contact list to send fake emails or messages.

The email will appear to be legitimate because you know and trust the contact so without thinking twice you may click on any links or open the attachment in the mail.

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By opening this link or attachment, you will unknowingly install malicious software on your device that gives the attacker access to confidential information stored on the system.

This can include your documents, passwords, financial data, social security number, and other credentials that can be used against you.

To prevent yourself from becoming a victim of phishing attacks, make sure you scrutinize every email or message you receive for errors and inconsistencies that might point to their illegitimacy.

Update your passwords regularly and verify that the sender is who they say they are before opening any links.

2. SQL Injection

This hacking technique involves the use of SQL queries that have been maliciously constructed to manipulate a website’s database.

Using SQL injection, hackers can gain access to the information stored in a database and proceed to modify, delete, read, extract, and otherwise integer with it.

Depending on the type of website you own, attackers can use this method to collect personal data, steal trade secrets and intellectual property, or even obtain administrative control of the database.

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3. Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)

This is a kind of injection attack that hackers use to place unauthorized code into the content on legitimate and trusted websites.

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So when people visit these websites, the malicious code will travel to their browser and copy all kinds of information such as credit card info, user passwords, and session cookies.

Cross-site scripting can also be used to plant and distribute malware, deface target websites, phish for sensitive data, and disrupt social networks. Or to launch more dangerous and destructive attacks by combining them with social engineering techniques.

4. Denial of Service (DoS) or Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) Attacks

Another kind of hacking that you might be susceptible to is Denial of Service (DoS), a technique attackers use to shut down a network by flooding it with traffic. This way, the website’s intended users won’t be able to access it.

Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) is an advanced form of DoS that uses multiple botnets or zombies to send data packets to the targeted website or network from multiple systems to overwhelm or shut down the server.

Some notorious examples of DDoS attacks that have occurred in recent times include targets like the U.S. presidential elections campaigns, Rio Olympics, and Russian financial institutions like Alfabank and Sterbank.

Also Read: Authy vs Microsoft Authenticator

5. Password Attacks

Most applications and internet services are protected by passwords. Obtaining passwords is an easier way for hackers to access your personal data and bypass security protocols instead of resorting to other sophisticated hacking methods to do so.

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Several methods can be used to launch password attacks and they include dictionary, keylogger, brute force, password sniffer, and social engineering strikes. Or even purchasing or stealing password databases.

6. Man in the Middle (MITM) Attacks

Man in the Middle (MITM) attacks are also known as the eavesdropping technique. Hackers use it to intercept sessions between two parties and send messages back and forth between them.

By hijacking the communication between a client and a server or host, the attacker can read, change, or copy any messages or information they exchange before forwarding them to the recipient.

All this happens in real-time without either system being aware of the interception. Using MITM attacks, hackers can capture confidential information like credit card details, login credentials, and more.

You can prevent these attacks by using encryption on your systems and refraining from visiting websites that are not secure or using public WiFi networks.

7. Malware Attacks

Malware is a portmanteau of the words malicious and software. It’s a harmful software program that hackers use to take over computer networks or systems, corrupt data, or steal information.

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Adware, viruses, keyloggers, trojans, rootkits, and spyware – these are all a form of Malware. They can also be installed on a device or system through various means like malicious links, infected hard drives, spam, and more.

8. Advanced Persistent Threats (APT)

As the name implies, this hacking technique uses advanced tools to launch continuous and persistent surveillance in a computer network or system over a long period without getting detected.

Advanced persistent threats utilize different attack methods and orchestrating a campaign requires extensive and deliberate planning.

ATPs are one of the most sophisticated kinds of cyberattacks so they usually go unnoticed and even when discovered, they can be tough to remove.

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Understanding Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity is the practice of safeguarding electronic systems, mobile devices, computers, networks, servers, and data from unwanted interference and malicious activities.

Whether you’re an individual or an organization, becoming the victim of cyber attacks can not only hamper the normal functioning of your digital system, it can also disrupt daily and future activities.

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You could end up losing important data, having your identity stolen, being robbed of your hard-earned money, getting sued for compromising user data and suffering a host of other consequences.

In this increasingly digital world, the importance of cybersecurity cannot be overstated. It’s up to you to keep your personal information and valuable data protected by reducing or preventing the possibility of a security breach from your end.

Measures to Protect Against Hacking

Here are some steps you can take to improve the security of your computer systems and networks, protect your information and privacy, and prevent hackers from gaining unauthorized access to your data and infrastructure.

1. Update your applications and operating systems regularly to strengthen and get rid of any loopholes that hackers can use to launch an attack.

2. Always check your passwords regularly, especially if you suspect that they may have been compromised, and use strong alphanumeric combinations so they’re harder to crack.

3. Install reputable and reliable security systems, protective firewalls, antivirus software, and other network protection tools on your computer and mobile devices.

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4. Use a VPN when browsing the internet, especially over public WiFi networks, to encrypt the communication between the server and your device.

5. Make use of two-factor or multi-factor authentication to add additional layers of security to your accounts.

6. Perform daily or weekly system scans to detect signs of hacking as quickly as possible and back up your data periodically so you can easily retrieve them in the event of an attack.

Role of Cybersecurity Professionals

Depending on the number of computers in your network or the value of the data in your control, the preventive measures above can only take you so far.

You need to enlist the services of a cybersecurity professional or a team of cybersecurity experts to help you build, analyze and test your systems to protect them from hackers and other external threats.

The work of these professionals is to develop and maintain your data and security infrastructures and stay one step ahead of potential threats by identifying vulnerabilities and setting up appropriate defenses.

Legal and Ethical Considerations in Hacking

There are different degrees and types of hacking and not all of them are permissible under the law. If a hacker has not been granted the authority to breach computer networks and access the data therein, their actions will be considered unethical and can constitute a crime.

Legal Consequences of Unethical Hacking

The United States has several federal laws that criminalize unethical hacking and outline the penalties that will follow if someone exploits another person’s online security systems or accesses information stored on their device without their consent.

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Some examples of federal laws that govern hacking activities include:

• The Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA)
• The Electronic Communications Privacy Act (ECPA)
• The Stored Communications Act (SCA)
• The Defend Trade Secrets Act (DTSA)

The Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA) is the leading federal anti-hacking legislation in the country. The legal consequences for unethical hacking under the CFAA depend on the nature and severity of the offense and the jurisdiction in which it was committed.

It can range from fines to seizure of property, and even life imprisonment. Here are some examples of hacking-related offenses and the penalties they carry under the CFAA:

• Trafficking in passwords – Up to one year for a first conviction and up to ten years for a second sentence.
• Accessing a computer for pulling information – Up to one year for a first conviction and up to 10 years for a second conviction.
• Extortion involving computers – Up to five years for a first conviction and up to 10 years for a second conviction.
• Accessing a computer to defraud – Up to five years for a first conviction and up to 10 years for a second conviction.
• Obtaining national security information – Up to 10 years for a first conviction and up to 20 years for a second conviction.

Many States in the country also have specific laws that govern and criminalize a wide range of hacking activities including computer trespass, unsanctioned access, and the use of malware, viruses, and denial of service attacks.

Ethical Standards for Ethical Hacking

Although ethical hacking is legal, it doesn’t automatically give cybersecurity professionals the right to do anything they want or go about administering their duties in any way that makes sense to them.

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For starters, ethical hacking requires specific skills, experience, knowledge of different infrastructure technologies, and an understanding of various programming languages.

It also requires professionals to obtain necessary cybersecurity certifications before they can carve out a career as an ethical hacker.

Some of the most reputable and widely-accepted cybersecurity certifications for ethical hacking include:

• Certified Ethical Hacking (CEH)
• Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC) Penetration Tester
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• Ethical Hacking Practitioner
• OffSec Certified Professional (OSCP)
• Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

In addition to certifying that the professional has the necessary skills, education, and expertise for ethical hacking, these certifications also bind practitioners to uphold certain codes of conduct and professional ethics.

Here are some of the basic and most important ethical standards that ethical hacking practitioners must abide by when discharging their responsibilities:

1. Obtain legal authorization from the system owner before performing any kind of assessment.
2. Confirm the scope of the assessment and stay within the stated boundaries.
3. Report any loopholes or security breaches found in the system or network and offer recommendations on how best to address it.
4. Keep any information they come across or discoveries they find confidential while the work is ongoing and after the work is done.
5. Remove all traces of the hack so malicious hackers cannot retrace their steps and use the vulnerabilities they identified to breach the system.
6. Never knowingly use any process of software that is obtained unethically or illegally.
7. Be forthright and honest about your areas of competence and skill limitations.
8. Disclose any conflicts of interest that cannot be reasonably escaped or avoided to all concerned parties.
9. Never purposefully compromise or allow a client’s systems or networks to be compromised in the course of professional dealings.
10. Not to participate in any black hat activities or join any underground hacking communities for the goal of teaching or expanding black hat hacking activities.

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Case Studies

Let’s look at some real life examples of hacking activities that have occurred in recent times and their impact.

Successful Examples of Ethical Hacking

Mac Zoom client enabling user cameras

In July 2019, Jonathan Leitschuh, a security researcher reported a weakness in the video conferencing app’s system that could allow any malicious hackers to hijack the camera of any Mac user.

Photo by Anna Shvets

Then it could force them to join a Zoom call without their consent. This vulnerability put over 750,000 companies, as well as millions of other Zoom users at risk for security breaches.

Apple swung into action and fixed the vulnerability on their end on the same day it was announced.

WordPress Plug-in leaking user Twitter data

In January 2019, Baptiste Robert, a French researcher found a flaw in a WordPress Social Network Tabs plugin.

The plugin which was designed to help users share their content to social media platforms had a vulnerability that exposed users’ Twitter account details. It could allow malicious actors to take over their accounts and exploit their personal data.

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Infamous Examples of Black Hat Hacking

WannaCry ransomware attack

One of the biggest black hat hacking attacks occured in May 2017. Hackers used the WannaCry ransomware to encrypt user files on computers running on Microsoft Windows.

Users were locked out of their computers and asked to pay a Bitcoin ransom before files and access would be returned.

The WannaCry ransomware attacked over 230,000 computers across the globe including systems associated with organizations like the NHS and Telefonica.

It is estimated that the attack hit computers in over 150 countries and caused $4 billion in losses.

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio

Operation Sony

In April 2011, groups of hackers initiated an attack against Sony in retaliation for the company taking legal action against George Hotz, the first hacker to jailbreak the iPhone and Playstation 3.

The hackers took the Playstation Network, Playstation store, and several other domains related to the game offline. Later, it was discovered that the attack not only caused a PSN service outage, it was also one of the biggest data breaches in history.

Over 70 million records including credit card details and other personally identifiable information belonging to users were stolen or affected.

Instances of Grey Hat Hacking

Patched Mikrotik routers

Sometime in 2017, it was discovered that Mikrotik routers had a vulnerability that could allow attackers to evade authentication and download user database files.

The files could then be decrypted to reveal usernames and passwords which would enable attackers to log into remote devices and run scripts of their choosing.

Although Mikrotik released a patch for the loophole, many users were unaware of it or simply didn’t bother to implement the patch.

A mysterious Russian hacker called Alexey took it upon himself to break into Mikrotik routers and patch them on behalf of the users. He even added firewalls to block anyone outside of the local network from accessing the routers.

Alexey reportedly patched over 100,000 Mikrotik routers to the delight of some users and the enragement of others.

Also Read: Cleanmymac vs MacKeeper

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Hacking of Mark Zuckerberg’s Facebook page

In August 2013, an unemployed security professional called Khalil Shreateh hacked the Facebook page of Mark Zuckerberg, the company’s founder.

He carried out this hack to push Facebook to fix a bug that he had identified earlier that could allow anyone to publish on any user’s page without their permission.

Although he informed Facebook of the bug after the discovery the social media network claimed that it was not a bug. After using the vulnerability he found to successfully hack Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook finally fixed the bug.

Impactful Examples of Hacktivism

Hillary Clinton’s leaked emails

Julian Assange founded WikiLeaks to preserve freedom of speech and media publishing and create space where people could blow the whistle on any issue of concern to the public.

In 2016, WikiLeaks published a collection of emails that Russian hackers had obtained from the Democratic National Committee, including email exchanges between Hillary Clinton and her presidential campaign manager.

The leaked emails had a negative impact on Clinton’s race for the White House and are believed to have been the primary reason why she lost the election.

Photo by Christina Morillo

The Syrian Electronic Army takes on the United States

In 2013, the Syrian Electronic Army launched DDoS strikes against the Executive branch of the United States to show support for Syrian President, Bashar al-Assad.

The group used DDoS and spear-phishing techniques to infiltrate, overwhelm, and deface government, media, and private sector websites.

They even managed to spread a fake tweet alleging that the President had been wounded in an explosion that occurred at the White House. It resulted in Dow Jones dropping 140 points.

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Conclusion

Hacking plays dual roles in today’s world. On one end, it enables individuals and organizations to implement precautionary measures to stave off the advances of unauthorized persons who may wish to breach their systems for nefarious purposes.

On the other hand, it exposes hidden flaws and vulnerabilities that are present in digital tools and networks so we can leverage these insights to better secure our online activities.

Sure, in the wrong hands, hacking can go awry and wreak all sorts of havoc but it can also be a force for good and innovation.

As the cybersecurity landscape continues to evolve and new threats emerge to challenge our notions of safety, it is important to understand how you can guard your network and sensitive data to keep them from getting exploited.