Most Common Hacking Techniques Used by Hackers in 2024

Introduction

In 2024, as technology advances rapidly, so do hackers’ techniques to exploit systems and networks for malicious purposes. Hacking has evolved from a curiosity-driven hobby among computer enthusiasts into a highly sophisticated criminal enterprise. As connectivity and data networks expand globally, more weaknesses arise for hackers to take advantage of.

The motives behind hacking are varied. While some hackers aim to disrupt political purposes, others simply seek financial gain by stealing data or demanding ransom payments. Whatever their goals, hackers are constantly developing new tools and exploiting new vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access to systems. As a result, cybersecurity has become an increasingly high priority for private companies and government institutions.

With so much sensitive user data and critical infrastructure now dependent on interconnected technology, the public is concerned about privacy, identity theft, and disruption of vital services. This article will provide an overview of the most common techniques that ethical hackers anticipate hackers using in 2024 to raise awareness of the threats we face and promote better cyber defense. Understanding hacking methodology is critical to developing effective countermeasures.

Definition of Hacking

Hacking can be described as unauthorized access to computer systems or networks to view or steal data and resources. It involves identifying weaknesses and vulnerabilities in systems and exploiting them to gain access without permission.

Fundamentally, hacking is about gaining entry to systems or data the hacker is unauthorized to access. It may be to steal sensitive information, alter data, or disrupt operations. Hackers look for security flaws and coding mistakes that allow them to bypass access controls put in place by system administrators and gain elevated privileges.

While hacking often has negative connotations, there are ethical hackers, known as white hats, who hack into networks and systems legally with permission to identify vulnerabilities before malicious hackers can exploit them. However, most references to hacking involve black hat hackers who access systems illegally for personal gain or to cause disruptions or damage.

Types of Hackers

There are a few main types of hackers that are commonly discussed:

Black Hat Hackers

Black hat hackers are those who hack with malicious intent. They break into networks and systems without permission and steal data or cause damage. Black hat hackers may hack for personal gain, to prove their skills, or even for ideological reasons. Some black hat hackers aim to cause chaos and damage, while others steal information for financial gain or extortion. Black hat hackers are considered criminals as their actions are illegal.

White Hat Hackers

White hat hackers are ethical computer hackers who aim to strengthen security systems. Owners and stakeholders authorize them to hack networks and systems to identify vulnerabilities before malicious hackers can exploit them. White hat hackers use their skills for good rather than criminal purposes like black hat hackers. They play an essential role in cybersecurity by finding system weaknesses before criminals take advantage.

Grey Hat Hackers

Grey hat hackers fall somewhere in between white and black hat hackers. They may sometimes violate ethical standards or principles but do not have malicious intentions like black hat hackers. Grey hats may hack systems without authorization from owners but not with criminal motivations. Their actions are morally ambiguous and occupy a grey area between ethical and unethical behavior.

Most common hacking techniques used in 2024

Hacking can take several forms, and new methods are always discovered as technology grows. It depends on the hacker’s mind on where to go. Below, you can view a compilation of the most common hacking techniques used by hackers in 2024 and an insight into how those techniques work. Let’s take a look.

Social Engineering

Social engineering refers to manipulating people to hand over confidential information or perform specific actions. This increasingly popular hacking method impersonates trusted sources and sends convincing phishing emails to trap victims.

According to recent statistics, social engineering attacks increased by 30% in 2024 compared to previous years. The most common tactics include impersonating trusted entities like banks, government agencies, or IT departments to trick victims into revealing sensitive information or downloading malware.

Phishing emails are the predominant method used in social engineering. These emails appear to come from legitimate sources and urge the recipient to click on a link or download an attachment containing malware. The emails are carefully crafted to look authentic, often including corporate logos and signatures. According to one cybersecurity report, CEOs receive an average of 57 targeted phishing emails annually.

The most effective way to combat social engineering is through employee security awareness training. Organizations need to educate staff on identifying phishing emails and other scam tactics. Implementing advanced email security solutions can also help filter out malicious messages before they reach employees. However, vigilance is required as social engineers frequently change their tactics.

DDOS Attacks

Distributed Denial of Service (DDOS) attacks have continued to be a significant threat in 2024. DDOS attacks aim to make an online service unavailable by overwhelming traffic from multiple sources. These attacks have grown more frequent and more powerful in recent years.

In 2024, there was an 807% increase in DDOS attacks compared to 2015. Incidents rose sharply each quarter, with cryptocurrency companies seeing a 600% rise in attacks aimed at them.

DDOS attacks use a network of compromised devices, known as a botnet, to flood the target with more requests than it can handle. The attacker infects many devices with malware, establishing control over them. They then direct this botnet to overwhelm the target’s server, line of communication, or network device with traffic. This could be HTTP requests, UDP or TCP packets, or other data types sent at very high rates. The target cannot keep up with this flood of traffic and is forced to slow down or even crash, denying service to legitimate users. As botnets have grown larger, DDOS attacks have become increasingly powerful and disruptive.

Viruses and Trojans

Viruses and trojans are common hacking techniques that infect systems with malware. A virus is a malicious code that attaches itself to legitimate programs and spreads by replicating itself when executed. Viruses can cause various damage, from displaying irritating messages to destroying files and data on a system. Trojans disguise themselves as legitimate software to trick users into downloading and installing them. Once installed, trojans create backdoors that give attackers complete control over an infected system.

One concerning trend for 2024 is the rise of “triple threat” malware that combines the worst attributes of viruses, worms, and trojans into a single piece of code. This hybrid malware is more dangerous and difficult to remove. Attackers are also getting better at evading detection by anti-virus software through advanced obfuscation techniques. Polymorphic malware can change its code as it spreads to avoid signature-based detection. Attackers are increasingly using anti-analysis tricks like self-modifying code to prevent reverse engineering. Defending against modern malware requires advanced threat defense tools and user education on safe computing practices.

Man in the Middle Attacks

Man-in-the-middle attacks work by intercepting communication between two parties. The hackers position themselves invisibly between the victims to eavesdrop and collect data. Specifically, the attacker inserts themselves into an unsecured public network like public Wi-Fi and silently monitors the traffic flow from both ends, gathering valuable information in transit.

This technique allows the hacker to intercept sensitive data transmitted over the network, including login credentials, financial information, or personal details. The victims believe they are communicating directly with each other, unaware of the hacker spying on their activity.

Man-in-the-middle attacks are becoming more prevalent due to the ubiquity of public Wi-Fi and the rise of mobile devices. Some ways to avoid man-in-the-middle attacks include using a Virtual Private Network (VPN), enabling HTTPS encryption on websites, and being cautious about connecting to unsecured public networks.

Phishing

Phishing is the fraudulent practice of sending fake emails or messages while pretending to be a trustworthy source to induce individuals to reveal personal data. Phishing takes advantage of people’s trust to access sensitive information like login credentials and financial accounts. According to a report by AAG IT, between 2022 and 2023, the annual number of phishing reports submitted to the US-based Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) increased by 51% to more than 1 million incidents.

Attackers often impersonate well-known companies like banks, social media platforms, or online retailers to trick users into clicking malicious links, downloading attachments containing malware, or entering sensitive information on fake websites. The fake messages are carefully crafted to appear authentic, even using logos and branding from legitimate organizations.

Once a victim is hooked, the phisher can install malware, steal login credentials to hijack accounts or collect personal and financial details for identity theft and fraud. A 2024 study by Egress found that 96% of organizations that fell victim to phishing attacks saw negative impacts, including financial losses, data breaches, and damage to brand reputation.

With phishing scams becoming increasingly sophisticated and widespread, individuals and organizations must remain vigilant about scrutinizing unsolicited emails or messages before clicking links or attachments. Security awareness training can make users more resilient to phishing techniques and prevent costly data breaches.

Emerging Threats

The cybersecurity landscape is constantly evolving as new technologies emerge. Some critical threats to watch out for in 2024 include:

Artificial Intelligence Hacking

As AI advances, there are growing concerns about how it could be weaponized for malicious hacking. Hackers may use AI to automate attacks, gather information, and exploit vulnerabilities more efficiently. According to this source, AI-driven attacks could become widespread by 2024. Defending against AI-enabled hacking will require new tools and strategies.

Quantum Computing Risks

Quantum computers have the potential to break current encryption standards and expose sensitive data. While large-scale quantum computers are still years away, experts predict they could pose a significant threat by 2024. Organizations must implement new quantum-resistant cryptography to protect against these future risks.

Technological change will only accelerate, so cybersecurity must remain agile and forward-thinking to address emerging threats before they become widespread. Proactive collaboration between security experts, policymakers, and technology leaders will be vital to staying ahead of the risks.

Conclusion

Always remember that as technology continues to advance in 2024, so do the hacking and cyber-attack threats. It’s important for individuals and organizations to remain vigilant about their online security and take proactive measures to protect their data and systems. Some key takeaways include:

• Regularly update all software, operating systems, and security programs. This ensures you have the latest protections against emerging hacking techniques.
• Enable multi-factor authentication wherever possible. This provides an extra layer of protection beyond just a password.
• Educate all employees on cybersecurity best practices. Human error is a major weakness that hackers exploit.
• Back up data regularly and keep an offline version. This allows you to restore data that may be compromised in an attack.
• Use a password manager and unique complex passwords. This prevents password reuse across sites, which is a major vulnerability.
• Invest in quality cybersecurity and anti-malware software. This provides active monitoring and defense against threats.
• Be cautious of unknown links, attachments, and requests for information. Social engineering is a common tactic hackers rely on.
• Monitor systems for unusual activity that may indicate a breach. Early detection of an intrusion is critical for minimizing damage.

No system is impenetrable, but staying vigilant, educating users, and having the proper defenses in place will go a long way in preventing the vast majority of attacks. Hacking techniques will continue to evolve, so cybersecurity requires ongoing commitment and adaptation to new threats. By prioritizing security, individuals and organizations can protect themselves and continue to thrive in our increasingly digital world.