Cyber criminals are diverse.
Hackers can include: Nation States, Organized Crime, Hacktivists, Malicious Insiders, and Motivated Individuals.
State Actors / Intelligence Hackers attack for information, espionage, combat crime, and damage. Their means are impressive with enormous financial possibilities and benefits that are more important than costs. Their approach includes: buying knowledge, training, inconspicuous attacks, and sustainability.
Terrorists attack for attention, political manipulation, and to inflict damage. They have average financial means and their approach to attacks includes buying knowledge on the black market as well as physical and mental attacks.
Organized Crime attacks solely for money. They attack with blackmail via existing gangs and organized specialists.
Hacktivists attack for attention, damage, and to highlight system vulnerabilities. They have minimal means and use motivated amateurs and specialists to achieve their goals.
Vandals and Script Kiddies attack for fame, reputation, and attention. They have minimal means and little knowledge and attack by applying available tools.
October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month!
“Held every October, National Cybersecurity Awareness Month (NCSAM) is a collaborative effort between government and industry to raise awareness about the importance of cybersecurity and to ensure that all Americans have the resources they need to be safer and more secure online,” according to Homeland Security.
“NCSAM 2019 will emphasize personal accountability and stress the importance of taking proactive steps to enhance cybersecurity at home and in the workplace. This year’s overarching message – Own IT. Secure IT. Protect IT. – will focus on key areas including citizen privacy, consumer devices, and ecommerce security.” Learn more about National Cybersecurity Awareness Month here on the Homeland Security website.
Every weekday in October, we’ll help spread Cybersecurity awareness by sharing an important online safety tip.