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Hackers and malicious software can breach computer security measures to steal personal information or cause damage. Keystroke loggers, fake websites, and viruses are common tactics. Cybersecurity technology is constantly evolving to thwart attacks, but passwords remain a weak point. Internal breaches by employees are also a concern.
A computer security breach is an incursion into a computer or computer network, usually by hackers or malicious software that compromises sensitive data or causes damage to computers or network operation. Hackers and criminals use a variety of tactics and techniques to bypass computer security measures to steal data, such as credit card information, banking information, social security numbers, and other personal information for use in fraudulent criminal acts. In some cases, the intent of a computer security breach is simply to cause harm. Malicious software, viruses, or other programs are placed on a system with the intent to destroy data or damage the ability of a computer or network to function.
Hackers often break into systems to steal personal information for use in criminal enterprises, such as wire fraud or identity theft, often with no more effort than guessing a password. Credit card numbers, bank account numbers, Social Security numbers, and other personal data are often the targets of a cybersecurity breach. Attacks can be carried out by humans working alone or by inserting malicious software designed to steal data, access data, or cause damage to computer systems.
Keystroke loggers are programs that, once inserted, can log users’ keystrokes, providing criminals with information about passwords or other data. Other programs can direct users to fake websites where they are tricked into submitting personal information. Antivirus programs are designed to be destructive, cause damage to operating systems, data files, or otherwise impair computer functions. Other types of malicious software can copy and transfer large amounts of data.
Hackers can be very sophisticated or relatively inexperienced amateurs, but even high school students working from a regular home computer can break into highly sensitive computer networks. There are documented cases of minors breaking into school networks to steal information and change grades, among hundreds of other similar violations by individuals and highly organized criminal groups at banks, financial institutions, government agencies, and private networks. In some cases, a computer security breach can be internal. For example, a company employee can use their location and access to make unauthorized use of systems and data.
Cybersecurity is a constant concern as hackers become more sophisticated and skilled. A major problem with computer security systems is that, often, the only obstacle for a hacker or other unauthorized user is a password, which can be cracked, guessed, or otherwise circumvented by skilled attackers. Cybersecurity technology is constantly evolving in an effort to thwart these attacks. Encryption systems for data transfer are becoming more and more sophisticated. Firewalls and antivirus programs are designed to block the incursions of many types of malicious software. Many systems have password entry management measures that block specific IP addresses or block access to an account if the wrong password is entered too many times.
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