Hacking includes all the means that the hacker will use to steal sensitive data such as passwords, bank details, important data stored online or on a computer.
A hacker may want to access your WiFi network to connect for free in the best case, or capture the transmitted data and thus steal your most valuable data in the worst case.
To do so, he will use software and well-tried techniques to force his way into your local network by “sniffing” the data packets exchanged between your computer and your Internet box.
The most common method of hacking is malware
The virus. Well hidden in an attachment or in a fake application, you just have to click on it to activate it.
Often, it is a fraudulent e-mail that you think is legitimate, and you only understand the deception once the malware is launched. At best, you will receive a lot of error messages or unwanted advertisements, in the worst case, your entire hard disk may be formatted or even encrypted.
You will then receive an illegal paying procedure that promises to restore your data. Less dangerous, but at least as annoying, SPAM will flood your mailbox with unwanted ads without you knowing where they come from.
Phishing, or how to lure you into the lion’s den
It is more and more frequent to receive fraudulent e-mails from hackers who pretend to be your bank, your Internet provider or your electricity supplier.
These mails imitate reality better and better, they contain a link to type in your information such as logins and passwords… once this information is entered, it is recovered by the hacker who can do whatever he wants with it. Nevertheless, it is possible to protect yourself from Phishing.
First of all, by observing the form of the email, sometimes imperfect, containing spelling mistakes, imprecise vocabulary, many are the errors that can warn us.
Then, and this is the most important, your Internet providers and other banks will never ask you to communicate your access codes by e-mail. Never give in to panic, call directly the concerned entity in case of doubt, they will know how to reassure you.