1. Introduction to the stages of hacking
The practice of using technical skills to gain unauthorised access to systems, networks, or personal devices is called hacking. It can be done for various reasons, such as monetary gain, corporate espionage, or emotional gratification.
According to a Cybersecurity Ventures report, the annual cost of cybercrime is expected to reach $10.5 trillion by 2025. This includes both the direct cost of attacks and the indirect costs of business disruption, lost productivity, and reputational damage.
2. Reconnaissance
Surveillance is the first stage of hacking, where the attacker gathers as much information as possible about the target system, network, or individual. Identifying the target’s technology, vulnerabilities, and people may be necessary. To successfully plan and execute an attack, reconnaissance gathers more information about the target.
Various attack tactics, such as the following, may be used by attackers during the reconnaissance phase:
The “footprinting” procedure compiles information on a target’s internet footprint, such as domain names, IP addresses, and website content.
Scanners check for open ports, vulnerabilities, and other faults in the target system or network using specialised software.
The practice of coercing or misleading someone into providing sensitive information or granting access to restricted areas is known as social engineering. Baiting, pretexting, and phishing scams (creating a false character to gain confidence) are just a few examples of various ways social engineering can be used (offering something of value in exchange for access).
Example of successful reconnaissance attack
The Chinese military is reported to have spied heavily on American businesses and government organisations in 2010 as part of Campaign Aurora, a cyberespionage operation. For several months, the attackers used various tactics, including social engineering and scanning, to gather personal information and maintain control of the compromised systems.
3. Gaining access
The attacker uses the information gathered during reconnaissance to gain unauthorised access to the target system, network, or device during the second hacking stage. This can be accomplished through various methods, such as exploiting vulnerabilities in the target’s technology or employing default or weak passwords.
During the gaining access stage, attackers may employ a variety of techniques, including:
Exploiting vulnerabilities entails exploiting known flaws or weaknesses in the target’s software, hardware, or configurations. An attacker, for example, could use exposure in a web application to gain access to a database or network.
Using default or weak passwords: This involves attempting to log into a system or device using easily guessable or commonly used passwords. Attackers may employ automated tools to try multiple passwords quickly or employ social engineering techniques to obtain passwords from employees or users.
Example of successful access attack
Over 200,000 computers in 150 countries were affected by the WannaCry ransomware attack in 2017. The attacker used a vulnerability in the Windows operating system to gain access to infected devices and encrypt their data. In exchange for the decryption key, the attackers demanded a ransom from the victims.
4. Maintaining access
The third stage of hacking is maintaining access, in which the attacker works to keep their unauthorised access to the target system, network, or device. This can be accomplished through a variety of methods, including the use of backdoors and rootkits. Maintaining access enables the attacker to carry on with their activities on the target without being detected or interrupted.
Attackers may use a variety of techniques to maintain access to the target, including:
Backdoor creation entails creating a hidden entry point into the target system or network that allows the attacker to bypass security measures and regain access later. Backdoors can be created in a variety of ways, including the installation of malicious software or the modification of configuration files.
Using rootkits entails installing software on the target system that grants the attacker elevated privileges while remaining undetected. Rootkits can conceal files, processes, and network traffic, making them difficult to detect and remove.
Case study of successful access preservation
Target suffered a data breach in 2014, exposing the personal information of 40 million customers. Later, it was discovered that the attack began with the compromise of a vendor’s system, which the attackers used to gain access to Target’s network. The attackers could maintain network access for several weeks by employing various techniques, including the creation of backdoors and the use of rootkits.
5. Covering tracks
It is the fourth and final stage of hacking. It entails the attacker attempting to conceal their activities and erasing any trace of their presence on the target system, network, or device. This is typically done to avoid detection and make the attack investigation more difficult for security personnel.
Attackers may use various techniques to hide their tracks, including
Log deletion entails deleting or altering system logs, which are activity records on the target system or network. The attacker can make it more difficult for security personnel to determine what happened during the attack and who was responsible for deleting these logs.
Changing system timestamps: This entails changing the timestamps on files or system records to make the attack appear to have occurred at a different time. This can sway the investigation and make determining the actual timeline of the attack more difficult.
Example of successful cover-up attacks:
In 2018, the Marriott hotel chain discovered that its reservation system had been hacked, exposing up to 500 million guests' personal information. The attackers could keep access to the system for four years while concealing their activities by deleting logs and changing timestamps. The breach was discovered when an unusual data transfer triggered an alert.
6. Preventing hacking
Reconnaissance: To prevent reconnaissance attacks, organisations can use network segmentation and access controls to limit potential attackers' visibility of their systems and networks. They can also use firewalls and intrusion detection systems to detect and alert security personnel to suspicious activity. Employee training on identifying and reporting suspicious emails or social engineering tactics can also help prevent reconnaissance attacks.
Gaining access: Organizations can prevent access attacks by implementing strong password policies and regularly updating software and security protocols. Vulnerability scanners and penetration testing can also identify and fix vulnerabilities in their systems. Regularly updating system and network configurations and disabling unnecessary services can also help prevent access attacks.
Maintaining access: Organizations can implement robust access controls and authentication measures, such as two-factor authentication, to prevent attackers from maintaining access to a system. File integrity monitoring can detect changes to system and application files and alert security personnel to malicious activity.
Covering tracks: Organizations can implement log management policies and regularly review and audit log files to prevent attackers from covering their tracks. File integrity monitoring can detect changes to system and application files and alert security personnel to malicious activity.
Statistics on the effectiveness of prevention techniques
The effectiveness of prevention techniques will vary depending on the specific threat and the organisation’s security posture. However, some general statistics on the efficacy of various prevention techniques are as follows:
According to the National Institute of Standards and Technology, network segmentation can reduce the likelihood of successful cyber attacks by up to 95%. (NIST).
According to the NIST, implementing strong password policies can reduce the likelihood of a successful password-related attack by up to 95%.
According to NIST, regularly updating software and security protocols can reduce the likelihood of a successful cyber attack by up to 85%.
Case study of successful prevention efforts
In 2018, a ransomware assault disrupted city services and caused millions of dollars in damages to Atlanta. Nevertheless, several departments were able to prevent or mitigate the attack’s effects by instituting robust password restrictions, routinely updating software and security processes, and utilising file integrity monitoring.
7. Conclusion
Reconnaissance, getting access, keeping access, and concealing tracks are the four processes that commonly makeup hacking. While getting permits entails exploiting weaknesses or using default or weak passwords to enter the system, reconnaissance is learning about a target system or network. To maintain access, an attacker can use rootkits or backdoors to avoid detection, while to conceal their tracks, they might delete logs or change system timestamps. At every stage of the hacking process, prevention is essential because it enables organisations to spot possible dangers and take appropriate precautions before they can cause harm.
The rising usage of cloud and mobile platforms, the automation of assaults using artificial intelligence and machine learning, and the development of “smart” internet-connected gadgets are all new hacking trends. Organisations must implement robust security measures across all layers of their networks and systems to keep ahead of these trends. These measures should include the usage of encryption, access limits, and frequent software and security updates. They will also need to train staff members to recognise and thwart prospective assaults, continuously monitor for and react to new threats, and more.
8. FAQs on Hacking
How can organizations prevent hacking?
- Implement robust security measures, including encryption, access controls, and regular software and security updates.
- Monitor for and respond to emerging threats.
- Educate employees on how to identify and prevent potential attacks.
- Use secure protocols and avoid using default or weak passwords.
- Implement two-factor authentication to add an extra layer of security.
What are the most common types of hacking attacks?
- Phishing attacks involve an attacker sending an email or message that appears to be from a reputable source to steal login credentials or sensitive information.
- Malware attacks are where an attacker installs malicious software on a victim’s device to gain access or control over the machine.
- Denial of service (DoS) attacks, where an attacker floods a network or server with traffic to make it unavailable to legitimate users.
- SQL injection attacks, where an attacker inputs malicious code into a database to gain access or steal sensitive data.
What are some real-world examples of successful hacking attacks?
- The Equifax data breach, where hackers accessed the personal information of 147 million people by exploiting a vulnerability in Equifax’s website software.
- The WannaCry ransomware attack infected over 200,000 computers in 2017 by exploiting a transport layer vulnerability.
- The Target data breach, where hackers accessed the payment information of 40 million customers by exploiting a vendor’s credentials.
What is the impact of hacking on organizations and individuals?
Hacking can have severe consequences for both organisations and individuals. For organizations, a successful hacking attack can lead to the loss of sensitive data, financial damage, and damage to reputation. For individuals, a hacking attack can result in the theft of personal information, financial loss, and emotional distress.
How can organizations respond to a hacking attack?
- Isolate the affected systems to prevent further damage.
- Identify the extent of the damage and what data may have been compromised.
- Notify relevant authorities and stakeholders, such as law enforcement and customers.
- Implement measures to prevent further attacks and restore the affected systems.
- Review and update security measures to prevent future attacks.