The headlines generated by cybersecurity attacks always focus on the damage caused by hackers, but who exactly are the hackers and why do they hack?
Financial losses associated with cybercrime hit a mighty $12.5 billion in 2023, so it’s clear to see that hackers have a major impact on society. And yet we know so little about them. Characterized as shady, hidden figures, hackers rely on this mysterious air to create panic and fear when they strike. Technically savvy, they pose a major threat to computer systems all over the world, and they often get away with it through a mixture of ingenuity and bravado.
To help you understand their motives better, we’re going to pull back the digital curtain and show you who these hackers are and what drives them to attack IT infrastructures.
The Main Types of Hackers
There are many different types of hackers, with different methods of operation and varying skillsets. The main variants you’re likely to encounter are:
- Black Hat Hackers: Perhaps the most infamous type of hacker, black hat hackers are regularly discussed on the Ophtek blog due to their love of breaking into IT systems. Their main activities involve launching malware, compromising software vulnerabilities, and setting up phishing campaigns.
- White Hat Hackers: In contrast to their black hat counterparts, white hat hackers are a force for good. Typically, they work in conjunction with organizations to identify weak spots in their IT security e.g. demonstrating where software vulnerabilities are present or highlighting the use of default passwords on routers.
- Hacktivists: These hackers aren’t out to commit cybercrime in the same way as a black hat hacker, but hacktivists operate on the wrong side of the law in order to bring about social or political change. A good example of this can be found in the 2022 attacks launched against Russian websites by the hacking group Anonymous, an attack designed in response to the Russian war on Ukraine.
What are the Motivations Behind Hacking?
Every hack will have a motive behind it and it’s important to understand these motives in order to better protect our computer systems. The main driving forces behind cyberattacks include:
- Financial Gain: As with all crime, money acts as a significant motivating factor. Stolen credentials, for example, can be sold on the dark web for large amounts of cash. Likewise, the rise of Malware-as-a-Service has proved highly lucrative for hackers and been responsible for some devastating attacks.
- Challenging Themselves: Hackers love the prestige of a successful hack, and this hit of dopamine is enough to encourage them to set about launching increasingly audacious attacks. This not only challenges them and provides a firm motivation, but it also encourages them to hone their skills and make their attacks harder to defend against.
- Personal Grievances: Often, the main motivation behind a hack is simply a slice of old-fashioned revenge. An ex-employee, perhaps terminated unfairly in their eyes, may seek revenge by exploiting their knowledge of an organization’s IT system. This insider knowledge may offer them the opportunity to strike back and hurt the organization.
Final Thoughts
Hackers, with their varying objectives and motivations, are a complex set of individuals and groups. While some may be a force for good, just as many have taken up their craft to inflict damage and benefit financially from their digital chaos. Whatever their circumstances, one thing remains clear: it’s crucial to strengthen your IT systems against all threats all the time.
For more ways to secure and optimize your business technology, contact your local IT professionals.
