Many people associate the term “hacker” with illegal or malicious activities, but the reality is more complex and diverse. At its core, a hacker is someone who uses advanced technical skills to explore information systems and networks. However, the motivations and intentions behind these explorations can vary significantly, which gives rise to different categories of hackers. From ethical hackers, who work to strengthen organisations’ security, to malicious hackers, who seek to exploit vulnerabilities for personal gain, the world of hackers is multifaceted. Therefore, understanding the nuances between the various types of hackers helps anyone involved in cybersecurity know how to protect against hackers. This article explores the different types of hackers, their activities and the growing importance of cybersecurity in an increasingly threatened digital environment.
What is a hacker
The term hacker is widely used, but its definition can vary depending on the context. In the broadest sense, a hacker is someone who uses their technical skills to explore databases and networks. However, this exploration can take different forms, and it is important to distinguish between the main types of hackers:
- Ethical hacker (white hat): They work for organisations or companies, helping to identify vulnerabilities in systems and networks and to fix them.
- Cracker (black hat): These are malicious hackers, often portrayed as the villains of the cyber world. They break into systems with bad intentions, such as data theft, spreading malware or sabotage.
- Grey hat hacker: Although they may break into systems without authorisation, their motivation is not always malicious: for example, they may reveal vulnerabilities, but they usually do so without permission.
- Blue hat hacker: These are hackers who generally work with companies or organisations to test the security of their systems.
Malicious hacker activities
Hackers carry out a variety of malicious activities, depending on their intentions and skills. Some of the most common types of activity include:
- Phishing: They use fake emails or text messages to deceive users and obtain login credentials for digital platforms.
- Malware: They develop and spread malicious software, such as viruses, trojans and ransomware, to infect systems, steal information or simply cause damage.
- Brute force attacks: They try to discover credentials by guessing them repeatedly until they succeed. This method is effective against weak passwords.
- Social engineering: They use psychological tactics to deceive people and obtain confidential information, for example by creating fake identities or exploiting personal relationships.
- Exploiting vulnerabilities: They identify and exploit vulnerabilities in systems and networks.
- Distributed denial of service (DDoS): They use networks of compromised computers to overload a server or service, making it inaccessible.
The importance of cybersecurity
Cybersecurity is essential, as companies store confidential information about customers, employees and business partners. Indeed, a successful attack can result in financial losses, reputational damage and breaches of data protection regulations. It is therefore essential to take measures to protect digital platforms against hackers.
Strategies to protect against hackers on digital platforms
- Cybersecurity policies: Companies should establish clear and comprehensive cybersecurity policies. These policies include guidelines for creating secure passwords, access restrictions, regular software updates and employee awareness initiatives.
- Updates and patches: Keeping all systems and software up to date is critical, because many attacks exploit known vulnerabilities that could be fixed with appropriate updates and patches.
- Multi-factor authentication (MFA): Multi-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security by requiring users to provide two or more forms of authentication to access digital systems containing sensitive data.
- Security monitoring: Implementing security monitoring systems enables early detection of suspicious activity or intrusions.
- Penetration testing: Hiring ethical hackers to carry out penetration tests helps to identify vulnerabilities and weaknesses in systems and networks.
- Training and awareness: Employees play a fundamental role in cybersecurity. Companies should invest in regular awareness and training on safe internet practices, threat identification and reporting security incidents.
The future of the fight against hackers
- Artificial intelligence and machine learning: Technology is constantly evolving, and hackers are also using more advanced tools. Artificial intelligence and machine learning have the potential to improve cybersecurity by identifying threats more effectively and automating incident response.
- Cryptocurrencies and illicit activities: Hackers have used cryptocurrencies to keep their transactions anonymous. However, this use has also led to greater attention from the authorities and to action to regulate cryptocurrencies and trace suspicious transactions.
- Ongoing awareness: As technology advances, cybersecurity awareness must remain a priority. This awareness includes informing users about emerging threats, safe practices and the risks associated with growing connectivity.
The legal framework in Portugal
In Portugal, Law no. 109/2009, known as the Cybercrime Law, defines offences such as unlawful access to computer systems, unlawful interception, computer sabotage and computer forgery. As a result, even unauthorised access carried out “just out of curiosity” can be a crime. Legitimate security testing, by contrast, always requires prior written authorisation from the system owner, with a clearly defined scope and rules.
In addition, the NIS 2 Directive has strengthened the cybersecurity obligations of many entities, including risk management and incident reporting. Consequently, protection against hackers is no longer just good practice and has become, in many cases, a legal obligation.
How attackers choose their targets
Many companies believe they are too small to interest an attacker. In practice, however, a large share of attacks are automated and opportunistic: attackers look for any system with known vulnerabilities, weak passwords or careless users. For this reason, company size matters little. What counts is how easily it can be compromised. Moreover, small companies are often used as a gateway to attack larger customers or partners.
Practical example: A fake invoice by email
Imagine that a company’s finance department receives an email apparently sent by a regular supplier, with new bank details for payment. The address is very similar to the real one and the message is convincing. Fortunately, the company has a procedure that requires any change to bank details to be confirmed by telephone, using the contact already on file. During the call, the supplier denies having sent the email. As a result, the fraud is stopped without any loss. In addition, the company alerts the supplier, which discovers that its email account had been compromised.
Checklist to protect against hackers
- Multi-factor authentication on all remote access and critical accounts.
- Security updates applied promptly.
- Isolated and tested backups.
- Regular training on phishing and social engineering.
- Confirmation procedure for payment requests or changes to details.
- Incident response plan with up-to-date contacts.
Frequently asked questions
Is penetration testing legal?
Yes, when it is authorised in writing by the system owner and carried out within the agreed scope. Without authorisation, the same activity may constitute a crime.
What should you do if you suspect an attack?
Isolate the affected systems, contact the IT team or a specialist and preserve the evidence. Where applicable, you should also report the incident to the authorities and assess whether to notify the CNPD.
Does a small company need a cybersecurity plan?
Yes, even if it is a simple one. A plan with the essential measures, those responsible and emergency contacts already makes a big difference when an incident occurs.
Conclusion: How to protect against hackers
Hackers play a variety of roles in the cyber landscape, from ethical hackers, who help protect systems, to malicious ones, who seek to exploit vulnerabilities for personal gain. Protecting companies’ digital platforms against hackers is a demanding and laborious task, but an essential one.
Companies should adopt a comprehensive approach to cybersecurity, including clear policies, regular updates, multi-factor authentication, security monitoring and employee training and awareness. Furthermore, the future of the fight against hackers will depend on the use of emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, and on ongoing awareness of cyber risks.
In short, cybersecurity is a shared responsibility that requires constant vigilance and adaptation to evolving threats. Protecting digital platforms is essential to ensure the integrity of operations and the protection of sensitive data.
Read also: Protecting document management platforms against cyberattacks and Brute force attacks on digital platforms.
To keep up with the main cyber threats, consult the reports of the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA).