Are You An Easy Target Online?

You may not realise it, but someone might be ransacking your phone or bank account right this very minute - and you had let them in!

Hacking is big business. According to the World Economic Forum's 2016 Global Risks Report, cybercrime will cost US445 billion (RM1,837.69 billion) in 2016. Compare it to petro-chem giant’s ExxonMobil income which reached a mere $332 billion!

In Malaysia, there were 1,714 hacking incidents reported in 2015 – that is more than four a day – and that is just the tip of the iceberg.

Hacking may seem all too mysterious, but understanding what it is and how to avoid being a target does not require learning Geek.

We talk to Malaysian security experts to get the inside scoop on how to keep safe.

WILL HACKERS TARGET YOU?

Hacking is basically using a computer to gain access to data you should not have access to. It can range from sneaking an unauthorised peek at your boss’ history so you can giggle over how much porn he watches on YouTube to getting the launch codes for nuclear missiles.

Mostly, though, it involves theft. Those who go for nuclear missile launch codes tend to be awfully good at protecting themselves. Hackers are more likely to aim for soft targets – like you!

Unlike burglars who have to physically turn up at your home to steal, hackers operate across borders and use fake identities in order to remain anonymous. It makes them difficult to track and catching up with them is a nightmare.

As hackers operate like criminals, those who track them and keep our information secure prefer to keep a low profile.