Viruses can replicate themselves on phone and computer systems, rendering them unusable. They do this by attaching to programs and files so that they are undetected. This allows viruses to be spread throughout the entire system. Viruses are most often hidden within unsecure applications, music, movies, photos, games that are free, and toolbars.
The primary goal of hacking is to steal information or cause financial harm to businesses. Hackers employ a variety of methods to gain access to sensitive data such as brute force attacks, encryption, polymorphic code, phishing, and many more. Once they have this information, hackers can sell it or use it to build a botnet that can be used to attack other systems or users.
Certain viruses are designed to steal passwords and personal information like birth dates. These kinds of viruses are called ransomware. Ransomware attacks are common and have even impacted major enterprises like the Colonial Pipeline, JBS (world’s largest meatpacker), and the Steamship Authority ferry company.
Hackers are also able to steal data through attacks on unprotected websites. They are able to accomplish this through a method known as exploit kits. Exploit kits are programs that automatically scan a web page for vulnerabilities and then install malicious software on your device, without you ever knowing it happened.
Make sure that your operating system, applications and devices up-to-date to avoid being targeted by hackers. These updates include security patches that fill in the most critical security holes hackers love to exploit. Also, use passwords that are strong. A good rule of thumb is not to make use of any word in the dictionary, or any personal information such as your date of birth.