While security professionals may have good insight into the tools, tactics, and procedures (TTPs) that threat actors use to launch cyberattacks, they
Six Things Hackers Know That They Don’t Want Security Pros to Know
Hackers bring more to their malicious activities than just technical skills—they possess a deep understanding of their targets, and this knowledge often surpasses what many CISOs (Chief Information Security Officers) realize. While security professionals may have good insight into the tools, tactics, and procedures (TTPs) that threat actors use to launch cyberattacks, they often underestimate the non-technical information hackers rely on to gain an edge.
Despite the best efforts of security teams, hackers consistently find ways to stay one step ahead, year after year. What many security professionals overlook is that hackers are not just exploiting technical vulnerabilities; they’re also capitalizing on the non-technical aspects that provide opportunities for successful breaches. So, what exactly do hackers know that CISOs should pay more attention to? Let’s explore the six key strategies hackers employ that might not be on every security team’s radar.
1. Hackers Exploit Weak Training Approaches
One critical factor in why hackers remain so successful is that most organizations don’t train their employees thoroughly enough for real-world attacks. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, many executives were busy ensuring the safety and stability of their operations, but hackers saw it as an opportunity to exploit weaknesses.
Hackers don’t hesitate to use low-level tactics—targeting CEOs, embarrassing CFOs, or even crippling vital services to get what they want. Security training programs, on the other hand, often fail to prepare for these kinds of ruthless tactics. Many security awareness drills are too sanitized, avoiding personalized and aggressive phishing campaigns that could better prepare employees for the real threats out there.
If security teams want to stay ahead, they must adapt by challenging their employees with simulations that reflect the aggressive nature of actual cyberattacks. Phishing campaigns should be realistic and tough, designed to expose the strategies hackers use. Only by taking this approach can organizations be truly prepared to counter real-world threats.
Also, since hackers exploit every weakness, using reliable security tools is essential. Ensure your systems are protected with the latest Antiviruses to close off potential vulnerabilities.
2. Hackers Know When to Strike
One of the most overlooked advantages hackers have is their knowledge of when to strike. It’s no coincidence that many attacks occur during weekends, holidays, or late at night when security teams are running lean and workers are less vigilant. Hackers are strategic—they know that attacks launched at these times are less likely to be detected and more likely to succeed.
These attackers also look for moments of organizational change, such as mergers, layoffs, or significant transitions, which create a distraction and leave the company vulnerable. It’s important for security teams to acknowledge this and plan accordingly by ensuring additional layers of security, more automated monitoring, and 24/7 coverage during these risky periods.
For an added layer of protection, investing in quality antivirus software can help block malware during times of heightened vulnerability. Be sure to explore the best options for Antiviruses to strengthen your organization’s defenses.
3. Hackers Gather Intelligence on Your Organization
Hackers are constantly gathering open-source intelligence (OSINT) about their targets. They closely monitor public information, such as company announcements, social media activity, and employee chatter on online forums, looking for any piece of data they can use to plan their attacks. Major events like layoffs, mergers, and technology implementations are prime opportunities for hackers to exploit. But even seemingly insignificant details, such as executive schedules or new employee onboarding, can be enough for hackers to strike.
Once hackers have gathered enough information, they craft attacks based on the insights they’ve obtained. For instance, they might launch a phishing campaign based on a company announcement, knowing that employees are more likely to fall for it. Security teams should conduct regular OSINT monitoring on their own companies to understand what hackers might be seeing—and use this information to prepare for possible attacks.
In addition to monitoring OSINT, organizations should use strong security measures, such as regularly updated antivirus software. Check out the top-rated Antiviruses to safeguard your systems against these types of attacks.
4. Corporate Culture Can Work in Hackers' Favor
The culture within many organizations often plays right into the hands of hackers. Today’s fast-paced, high-intensity work environments leave employees under pressure to move quickly and handle large volumes of emails, messages, and requests. This "always-on" mentality creates a perfect storm for hackers to take advantage of.
When workers are rushing, they’re more likely to click on malicious links or fall for phishing scams. Hackers know this and time their attacks to catch employees in these moments of haste. Security professionals need to work closely with other executives to foster a culture that encourages employees to slow down, carefully evaluate emails, and think before they act. This change in mindset could go a long way in improving security across the board.
Of course, in addition to cultural changes, having a robust antivirus solution is a must. Ensure your team is using one of the best Antiviruses to help protect them even during those fast-paced moments.
5. Deepfakes Can Be Used to Deceive
Deepfakes, especially audio deepfakes, have become sophisticated enough to fool even trained employees. In recent years, we’ve seen examples of deepfake attacks, such as scammers impersonating high-level executives to request large transfers of money.
While most CISOs are aware of deepfake technology, many executives and staff members may not be fully prepared to detect such attacks. It’s important to train employees on the potential threats posed by deepfakes, update business protocols to include verification processes, and be extra cautious when handling sensitive requests.
As deepfake threats grow more prevalent, protecting your systems from these sophisticated attacks is crucial. Use reliable antivirus software as part of your defense strategy—here are some great Antivirus options to consider.
6. Weak Controls Are a Hacker’s Goldmine
Another critical mistake organizations make is failing to implement truly independent layers of defense. In many cases, security controls are interconnected, which means that when one control is compromised, others can be bypassed just as easily. Hackers are quick to identify these weak spots and exploit them to compromise multiple systems at once.
Security teams need to ensure that they have independent controls in place so that the compromise of one system doesn’t lead to the breach of another. By maintaining distinct layers of defense, companies can create a more robust security posture that’s harder for hackers to crack.
Additionally, having strong antivirus software in place can help prevent hackers from exploiting these gaps. Explore top-rated Antiviruses to further enhance your defense.
In conclusion, hackers know far more about your organization than you may realize, and they’re constantly looking for ways to exploit non-technical weaknesses. By understanding their tactics and adapting your security strategies to counter these insights, you can better protect your organization from future attacks. Along with solid security training, maintaining up-to-date antivirus software is a critical step in defending against these evolving threats—make sure to check out the best Antiviruses available today.
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