A good article by IDCARE, the government IT security site – I’d link to it but the link’s not working (!) – touching on a MAJOR misconception people have about hacking.
While people think of hacking as a single event; that’s usually not the case. It’s a layered job. The hack is only the first step.
Let’s say your email gets compromised – the most common security breech.
What does that open up for the criminal, remembering that these are well-organised enterprises, not curious 15 year olds…
Well now they will be interested to:
- Access two-factor codes and reset login passwords for other accounts
- See what your suppliers’ invoices look like so they can replicate them and send false invoices with their own bank details
- Search old emails for driver licences and passports used to open accounts and loans in your name
Once your social media account gets hacked, your friends can expect to receive invitations to crypto schemes that you enthusiastically endorse! The crims will be looking for linked accounts that you access with social logins. If you’ve got a credit card attached to your Facebook account they may be able to buy advertising with it. What would they advertise? Scams of course!
In around 30% of bank account hacks reported to IDCARE, a driver’s licence is also stolen. The holder of that will be able to request bank loans. Enough said.
Small businesses are in denial about all of this. Even if you don’t become a client, take advantage of our free security audit. You’ll be able to tighten security and reduce your business risk. Amir is your man: 9325 1196.