Choosing an antivirus software to protect your computer might be an exhausting task. Really, we feel you – who likes reading about the unknown features and filter through all the stuff? However, we live in a technological world, and things probably won’t change in the nearest, well, century. Or two. So, cybersecurity is one of […]

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Insider threats are very real and make up the majority of cybersecurity attacks on enterprises. Yet, many businesses still spend most of their time safeguarding their systems against outsider threats. The worst with insider threats is that they often have a human element, which is usually used to bypass software protection. So even with all […]

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If you are torrenting without the use of a VPN, you are inviting trouble for yourself. That being said, there is a lot of misleading and incorrect information available on the World Wide Web regarding the free VPN for torrenting. There are many so-called freeVPN that leaks the very information they are designed to protect. […]

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Hackers are not created equal, nor do they have the same purpose. Some hackers are paid to scrutinize security systems, find loopholes, fix weaknesses, and ultimately protect organizations and people. Others exploit those same gaps for profit, power, or disruption. What separates hackers isn’t just skill level or tactics; it’s intent. 

The purpose behind an attack changes everything about how hackers shape their tactics and how the hacking process unfolds: who is targeted, which methods and tools are used, how patient the attacker is, and the kind of damage they want to cause.

The primary motivations behind these cyberattacks fall into several categories, from financial gain to recognition, and sometimes even coercion. Each driver creates different risk scenarios for your digital life, from your home banking sessions to your workplace communications. Understanding a hacker’s motivations will enable you to better protect yourself and recognize potential threats in both your personal and professional life. 

In this article, we’ll look at the main types of hackers you might encounter, the core motivations and mindset that drive these cyberattacks, and finally, how you can protect yourself against these attacks.

Good and bad hackers

From its beginnings as an intellectual exploration in universities, hacking was driven by curiosity, learning, and the thrill of solving complex problems. Today, it has become industrialized with organized criminal groups and state-sponsored actors entering the scene. 

Modern hacking has seen the emergence of advanced persistent threats and nation-state campaigns targeting critical infrastructure and combining traditional techniques with artificial intelligence. To better understand the types of hackers, here is a window into what they do and why:

White hat hackers

These are the good guys, typically computer security experts who specialize in penetration testing and other methodologies to ensure that a company’s information systems are secure. These IT security professionals rely on a constantly evolving arsenal of technology to battle hackers.

Black hat hackers

These are the bad guys, who are typically referred to as just plain hackers. The term is often used specifically for hackers who break into networks or computers, or create computer viruses. Unfortunately, black hat hackers continue to technologically outpace white hats, often finding the path of least resistance, whether due to human error or laziness, or with a new type of attack. Hacking purists often use the term “crackers” to refer to black hat hackers, whose motivation is generally to get paid.

Script kiddies

This is a derogatory term for black hat hackers who use borrowed programs to attack networks and deface websites in an attempt to make names for themselves. Script kiddies, sometimes called script kitties, might be beginners, but don’t be fooled by their newbie status. With the right tools and right targets, they can wreak as much havoc as a seasoned hacker.

Hacktivists

Some hacker activists are motivated by politics or religion, while others aim to expose wrongdoing or exact revenge. Activists typically target government agencies, public services, and organizations involved in controversial issues related to defense, elections, wars, finance, or social movements. They also attack high-profile individuals, such as executives, public figures, journalists, and activists.

State-sponsored hackers

State-sponsored hackers have limitless time and funding to target civilians, corporations, other governments, or even prominent citizens connected to a larger objective. Their motivations are driven by their government’s strategic goals: gathering intelligence, stealing sensitive research or intellectual property, influencing public perception, or disrupting critical infrastructure. Because they are playing a long game, state-sponsored hackers are stealthy and persistent, quietly embedding themselves in systems, mapping networks, and waiting for the right moment to act.

Spy hackers

Corporations hire hackers to infiltrate their competitors and steal trade secrets, including product designs, source code, pricing plans, customer lists, legal documents, and merger or acquisition strategies. They may hack from the outside or gain employment in order to act as a mole, impersonating recruiters, partners, or vendors to get insiders to share access. They also take advantage of weak internal controls, such as excessive permissions, unsecured file-sharing links, or poor offboarding practices. Spy hackers may use similar tactics as hacktivists or state-sponsored espionage on a smaller scale: stealthy entry, careful privilege escalation, and long-term persistence to avoid triggering alarms. The stolen data is often not leaked publicly but delivered directly to the client and used behind the scenes.

Cyber terrorists

These hackers, generally motivated by religious or political beliefs, attempt to create terror, chaos, and real-world harm by disrupting critical infrastructures such as power grids, water systems, transportation networks, hospitals, emergency services, and government operations. They combine cyber operations with propaganda campaigns and physical attacks on the systems people rely on to live safely to create turmoil far beyond the screen. 

Understand hackers’ motivations

Cybercriminals aren’t just faceless entities; they’re driven by specific goals that shape their tactics and targets. Understanding their motivations empowers you to recognize potential threats and better protect yourself, your family, and colleagues.

Financial gain

Money remains the most common motivator. These profit-driven attacks directly impact your personal finances through methods such as ransomware, credit card fraud, and identity theft. In your home, financially motivated hackers target your banking apps, shopping accounts, and personal devices to steal payment information or hold your data hostage. In the workplace, they focus on payroll systems, customer databases, and business banking credentials.

Ideological motivations

Ideologically driven hackers, called hacktivists, pursue political or social causes through cyber means. These attacks can disrupt services that you rely on daily, from public utilities to private organizations that provide essential services or take public stances on divisive issues. Your best defense involves staying informed about potential disruptions and maintaining backup communication methods for essential services.

Curiosity and learning

Many hackers begin their journey with genuine curiosity about how systems work. They might probe your home network, test website security, or experiment with app vulnerabilities, not necessarily for malicious purposes, but their activities can still expose your data or disrupt services. In professional environments, these individuals might target systems or databases simply to see if they can gain access.

Recognition and reputation building

Some hackers seek fame, respect within hacker communities, or professional advancement rather than immediate financial benefit. They often target high-profile individuals, popular websites, or well-known companies to maximize the visibility for their exploits. If you have a significant social media following, your accounts could become targets for these attacks. They might also focus on defacing company or government websites, or leaking non-sensitive but embarrassing information.

State and corporate intelligence

Nation-state and corporate espionage are some of the most sophisticated threats in cyberspace, making it a top national security concern for both government and private sector. These operations compromise daily services and infrastructure such as internet service providers, email platforms, or cloud storage services to gather intelligence such as intellectual property, customer lists, or strategic planning documents. 

Coercion and extortion

Some hackers use cyber capabilities to intimidate or coerce victims into specific actions. In the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center report for 2024, extortion was the 2nd top cybercrime by number of complaints, demonstrating the growing prevalence of coercion-based attacks. Coercion might involve compromising personal photos, social media accounts, or private communications to demand payment or behavioral changes. Workplace coercion could target executives with embarrassing information or threaten to leak sensitive business data unless demands are met. 

The intersection of motivations

Many real-world attacks combine multiple motivations—a financially driven criminal might also seek recognition within hacker communities, or an ideological hacker might generate revenue through ransomware. The contrast between ethical hacker motivations and malicious ones often lies in the permission, legality, and intent. Understanding why people become hackers helps you recognize that not all hacking activity is inherently malicious, although all unauthorized access ultimately poses risks to your security and privacy.

The psychology behind cyberattacks

Understanding the psychology behind cyberattacks gives you a powerful advantage in protecting yourself. When you know what drives hackers, you can better spot their tactics and stay one step ahead.

High reward, low risk

Many hackers operate with the goal of achieving high reward for perceived low risk. This risk-reward imbalance motivates attackers because they can potentially access valuable personal or financial information while remaining physically distant from their victims. This means hackers often target easy opportunities, such as when you click on suspicious links or download questionable attachments, to gain access with minimal effort. For instance, a hacker would rather send 10,000 phishing emails hoping for a few bites than attempt one complex, risky attack.

Exploiting normal human responses 

Hackers exploit well-known psychological shortcuts your brain takes. They understand that you’re more likely to trust familiar-looking emails, act quickly under pressure, or follow authority figures without question. These aren’t weaknesses, these are normal human responses that attackers deliberately manipulate. For example, urgent messages claiming your account will be closed create an artificial time pressure, making you more likely to click without thinking.

The power of group dynamics

Many successful cyberattacks leverage the human tendency to follow what others are doing. Hackers create fake social media profiles, forge customer reviews, or impersonate colleagues to make their requests seem legitimate and widely accepted. In ransomware attacks targeting businesses, criminals often research company hierarchies and communication styles to make their demands appear to come from trusted sources within the organization. 

The gamification of cybercrime

Modern hacking has elements that make it feel like a game to perpetrators. Some online forums award points for successful attacks, creating competition and recognition among criminals. This helps explain why some hackers target individuals rather than large corporations, as every successful phishing attempt becomes a score, and why attacks continue to evolve. 

Common hacking methods

Hackers don’t all use the same tricks, but most successful attacks rely on a familiar toolkit of methods that exploit common technical gaps and human habits. Recognizing these common techniques will help you avoid danger earlier on.

• Phishing and smishing. These attacks trick you into revealing sensitive information through fraudulent emails or text messages, respectively known as phishing and smishing. Modern attackers increasingly use AI-generated content and sophisticated social engineering techniques that make these messages appear more legitimate than ever before. 
• Credential stuffing. Cybercriminals use automated tools to test stolen username and password combinations across multiple websites, exploiting the fact that many people reuse passwords. This attack method has become more efficient with attackers leveraging large-scale data breaches and improved automation tools.
• Multi-factor authentication (MFA) fatigue. Attackers repeatedly send multi-factor authentication requests until overwhelmed, frustrated, and confused users approve one. This technique has gained prominence as more organizations adopt MFA, with attackers finding ways to exploit user behavior around security notifications. 
• Malvertising. Malicious advertisements on legitimate websites can install malware or redirect you to harmful sites without requiring any clicks. Recent trends show attackers using sophisticated techniques to bypass ad network security filters. 
• Remote desktop attacks. Hackers exploit weak or default passwords on remote desktop services to gain unauthorized access to systems, particularly targeting businesses with remote work setups. The rise of hybrid work environments since 2023 has made this attack vector increasingly attractive to cybercriminals. Disable remote desktop services when not needed and use VPNs with strong authentication for legitimate remote access.
• USB baiting. Attackers leave infected USB devices in public places, hoping curious individuals will plug them into their computers, automatically installing malware. Modern USB attacks can execute within seconds of being connected, making them particularly dangerous in today’s fast-paced work environment.

• Unsecured Wi-Fi networks. Unsecured public Wi-Fi and home networks create opportunities for hackers to gain access to your devices or intercept your sensitive information, such as passwords, emails, and banking details. Sometimes, cybercriminals create fake Wi-Fi hotspots with legitimate-sounding names to trick users into connecting.
• Unsafe downloads. Hackers disguise malicious software as legitimate programs, games, documents, or updates to trick users into installing them. These malicious downloads may come from infected email attachments, fake or pirated software, or even compromised websites. Once installed, the malware can steal your information, lock your files for ransom, or give hackers access to your computer.

• Tech support scams. Tech support scams rely on social engineering rather than technical exploits, where scammers typically contact you by phone and insist your computer has been infected or compromised. They create urgency and fear to convince you to install remote access software that gives them complete control of your computer. Once they have access, they can steal personal information, install malware, or hold your files hostage.

• Outdated software. Running outdated software creates security vulnerabilities that hackers actively leverage. When software developers discover security vulnerabilities, they release patches to fix these problems. If you don’t install these updates promptly, your system remains vulnerable to attacks. Hackers maintain databases of unpatched systems and use automated tools to find and exploit them.

Defensive tips to protect yourself from hack attacks

Your strongest defense against hacking combines technical safeguards, security awareness, and some consistent habits that shut down the most common paths attackers use. Here’s how to put those defenses in place and make your digital life a much harder target.

• Install comprehensive security software. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency recommends a layered security approach to prevent multiple types of threats simultaneously. Choose a reputable security suite that offers real-time protection, anti-malware scanning, and web browsing safety features. 
• Enable MFA everywhere. Add an extra security layer to all your important accounts: email, banking, social media, and work platforms. Only approve MFA requests that you initiated yourself, and report any unexpected authentication prompts to your IT team or service provider immediately.
• Use a password manager. Create complex, unique passwords using a trusted password manager for every account you own. The National Institute of Standards and Technology recommends passwords that are at least 12 characters long and completely unique across all your accounts to prevent credential stuffing attacks.
• Keep all software updated. Enable automatic updates for your operating system, apps, and security software, as many successful cyberattacks exploit known weaknesses that could have been prevented with timely updates.
• Secure your internet connections. Avoid using public Wi-Fi for sensitive activities, and use a reputable VPN when you must connect to untrusted networks. Unsecured public networks make it easy for attackers to intercept your data and credentials.
• Implement the 3-2-1 backup strategy. Regular, tested backups are your best defense against ransomware and data loss incidents. Keep three copies of important data—on your device, on an external drive, and in secure cloud storage. 
• Develop scam-spotting skills. Scammers continuously adapt their tactics to current events, so staying informed about the latest schemes and learning to recognize phishing emails, suspicious links, and social engineering tactics will help you stay one step ahead.
• Practice good digital hygiene. Regularly review your account permissions, remove unused apps, and monitor your financial statements for unauthorized activity to lessen your exposure to identity theft and privacy breaches.

• Monitor your accounts regularly. Check bank statements, credit reports, and account activity monthly. Set up account alerts for unusual activity when available.
• Limit personal information sharing. Only provide the necessary information to companies or service providers to reduce your digital footprint. In addition, review privacy settings and avoid oversharing on social media as scammers and hackers regularly prowl these platforms. 

Final thoughts

Now that you understand hackers’ motivations and psychological drivers, you can flip the script and turn it to your advantage. Instead of being the target, become the informed defender who recognizes manipulation tactics and responds thoughtfully rather than reactively. This knowledge empowers you to spot potential threats earlier, choose stronger protective measures, and navigate the digital world with greater confidence.

When someone pressures you to act immediately, that’s your cue to slow down and verify the request. Question familiar-looking messages, even if they look official. Check the sender’s address and contact the company through official channels. Trust your instincts and investigate before acting. Stay curious and keep learning from reputable cybersecurity resources that publish current research and threat intelligence. Share these tips with your family members and friends, especially those who might be less technologically savvy. 

McAfee+ includes proactive identity surveillance to monitor subscribers’ credit and personal information, as well as access to live fraud resolution agents who can help subscribers work through the process of resolving identity theft issues.

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It’s no longer possible to deny that your life in the physical world and your digital life are one and the same. Coming to terms with this reality will help you make better decisions in many aspects of your life.

The same identity you use at work, at home, and with friends also exists in apps, inboxes, accounts, devices, and databases, whether you actively post online or prefer to stay quiet. Every purchase, login, location ping, and message leaves a trail. And that trail shapes what people, companies, and scammers can learn about you, how they can reach you, and what they might try to take.

That’s why digital security isn’t just an IT or a “tech person” problem. It’s a daily life skill. When you understand how your digital life works, what information you’re sharing, where it’s stored, and how it can be misused, you make better decisions. This guide is designed to help you build that awareness and translate it into practical habits: protecting your data, securing your accounts, and staying in control of your privacy in a world that’s always connected.

The essence of digital security

Being digitally secure doesn’t mean hiding from the internet or using complicated tools you don’t understand. It means having intentional control over your digital life to reduce risks while still being able to live, work, and communicate online safely. A digitally secure person focuses on four interconnected areas:

Personal information

Your personal data is the foundation of your digital identity. Protecting it includes limiting how much data you share, understanding where it’s stored, and reducing how easily it can be collected, sold, or stolen. At its heart, personal information falls into two critical categories that require different levels of protection:

• Personally identifiable information (PII):This represents the core data that defines you, such as your name, contact details, financial data, health information, location history, Social Security number, driver’s license number, passport information, home address, and online behavior. Financial data such as bank account numbers, credit card details, and tax identification numbers also fall into this category. Medical information, including health insurance numbers and medical records, represents some of your most sensitive PII that requires the highest level of protection.
• Sensitive personal data:While not always directly identifying you, this type of information can be used to build a comprehensive profile of your life and activities. This includes your phone number, email address, employment details, educational background, and family information. Your online activities, browsing history, location data, and social media posts also constitute sensitive personal data that can reveal patterns about your behavior, preferences, and daily routines.

Digital accounts

Account security ensures that only you can access them. Strong, unique passwords, multi-factor authentication, and secure recovery options prevent criminals from hijacking your email, banking, cloud storage, social media, and other online accounts, often the gateway to everything else in your digital life.

Privacy

Privacy control means setting boundaries and deciding who can see what about you, and under what circumstances. This includes managing social media visibility, app permissions, browser tracking, and third-party access to your data.

Digital security is an ongoing effort as threats evolve, platforms change their policies, and new technologies introduce new risks. Staying digitally secure requires periodic check-ins, learning to recognize scams and manipulation, and adjusting your habits as the digital landscape changes.

Common exposure points in daily digital life

Your personal information faces exposure risks through multiple channels during routine digital activities, often without your explicit knowledge.

• Public Wi-Fi networks: When you connect to unsecured networks in coffee shops, airports, hotels, or retail locations, your internet traffic can be intercepted by cybercriminals using the same network. This puts your login credentials, banking information, and communications at risk, even on networks that appear secure.
• Data brokers: These companies gather data, often without your explicit knowledge, from public records, social media platforms, online purchases, and other digital activities to create your profile. They then sell this information to marketers, employers, and other interested parties.
• Social media: When you overshare details about your location, vacation plans, family members, workplace, or daily routines, you provide cybercriminals with valuable information for identity theft and social engineering attacks. Regular platform policy changes can reset your previously private information or expose you to data breaches.
• Third-party applications: Mobile apps, browser extensions, and online services frequently collect more data than necessary for their stated functionality, creating additional privacy risks for you. You could be granting these apps permission to access your personal data, contacts, location, camera, and other device functions without fully understanding how your data will be used, stored, or shared.
• Web trackers: These small pieces of code embedded in websites follow your browsing behavior, monitoring which sites you visit, how long you stay, what you click on, and even where you move your mouse cursor. Advertising networks use this information to build a profile of your interests and online habits to serve you targeted ads.

Core pillars of digital security

Implementing comprehensive personal data protection requires a systematic approach that addresses the common exposure points. These practical steps provide layers of security that work together to minimize your exposure to identity theft and fraud.

Minimize data sharing across platforms

Start by conducting a thorough audit of your online accounts and subscriptions to identify where you have unnecessarily shared more data than needed. Remove or minimize details that aren’t essential for the service to function. Moving forward, provide only the minimum required information to new accounts and avoid linking them across different platforms unless necessary.

Be particularly cautious with loyalty programs, surveys, and promotional offers that ask for extensive personal information, as they may share it with third parties. Read privacy policies carefully, focusing on sections that describe data sharing, retention periods, and your rights regarding your personal information.

If possible, consider using separate email addresses for different accounts to limit cross-platform tracking and reduce the impact if one account is compromised. Create dedicated email addresses for shopping, social media, newsletters, and important accounts like banking and healthcare.

Adjust account privacy settings

Privacy protection requires regular attention to your account settings across all platforms and services you use. Social media platforms frequently update their privacy policies and settings, often defaulting to less private configurations that allow them to collect and share your data. For this reason, it is a good idea to review your privacy settings at least quarterly. Limit who can see your posts, contact information, and friend lists. Disable location tracking, facial recognition, and advertising customization features that rely on your personal data. Turn off automatic photo tagging and prevent search engines from indexing your profile.

On Google accounts, visit your Activity Controls and disable Web & App Activity, Location History, and YouTube History to stop this data from being saved. You can even opt out of ad personalization entirely if desired by adjusting Google Ad Settings. If you are more tech savvy, Google Takeout allows you to export and review what data Google has collected about you.

For Apple ID accounts, you can navigate to System Preferences on Mac or Settings on iOS devices to disable location-based Apple ads, limit app tracking, and review which apps have access to your contacts, photos, and other personal data.

Meanwhile, Amazon accounts store extensive purchase history, voice recordings from Alexa devices, and browsing behavior. Review your privacy settings to limit data sharing with third parties, delete voice recordings, and manage your advertising preferences.

Limit app permissions

Regularly audit the permissions you’ve granted to installed applications. Many apps request far more permissions to your location, contacts, camera, and microphone even though they don’t need them. Cancel these unnecessary permissions, and be particularly cautious about granting access to sensitive data.

Use strong passwords and multi-factor authentication

Create passwords that actually protect you; they should be long and complex enough that even sophisticated attacks can’t easily break them. Combine uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters to make it harder for attackers to crack.

Aside from passwords, enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) on your most critical accounts: banking and financial services, email, cloud storage, social media, work, and healthcare. Use authenticator apps such as Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator, or Authy rather than SMS-based authentication when possible, as text messages can be intercepted through SIM swapping attacks. When setting up MFA, ensure you save backup codes in a secure location and register multiple devices when possible to keep you from being locked out of your accounts if your primary authentication device is lost, stolen, or damaged.

Alternatively, many services now offer passkeys which use cryptographic keys stored on your device, providing stronger security than passwords while being more convenient to use. Consider adopting passkeys for accounts that support them, particularly for your most sensitive accounts.

Enable device encryption and automatic backups

Device encryption protects your personal information if your smartphone, tablet, or laptop is lost, stolen, or accessed without authorization. Modern devices typically offer built-in encryption options that are easy to enable and don’t noticeably impact performance.

You can implement automatic backup systems such as secure cloud storage services, and ensure backup data is protected. iOS users can utilize encrypted iCloud backups, while Android users should enable Google backup with encryption. Regularly test your backup systems to ensure they’re working correctly and that you can successfully restore your data when needed.

Request data deletion and opt out from data brokers

Identify major data brokers that likely have your information and look for their privacy policy or opt-out procedures, which often involves submitting a request with your personal information and waiting for confirmation that your data has been removed.

In addition, review your subscriptions and memberships to identify services you no longer use. Request account deletion rather than simply closing accounts, as many companies retain data from closed accounts. When requesting deletion, ask specifically for all personal data to be removed from their systems, including backups and archives.

Keep records of your opt-out and deletion requests, and follow up if you don’t receive confirmation within the stated timeframe. In the United States, key data broker companies include Acxiom, LexisNexis, Experian, Equifax, TransUnion, Whitepages, Spokeo, BeenVerified, and PeopleFinder. Visit each company’s website.

Use only trusted, secure networks

Connect only to trusted, secure networks to reduce the risk of your data being intercepted by attackers lurking behind unsecured or fake Wi-Fi connections. Avoid logging into sensitive accounts on public networks in coffee shops, airports, or hotels, and use encrypted connections such as HTTPS or a virtual private network to hide your IP address and block third parties from monitoring your online activities.

Rather than using a free VPN service that often collects and sells your data to generate revenue, it is better to choose a premium, reputable VPN service that doesn’t log your browsing activities and offers servers in multiple locations.

Ongoing monitoring and maintenance habits

Cyber threats evolve constantly, privacy policies change, and new services collect different types of personal information, making personal data protection an ongoing process rather than a one-time task. Here are measures to help regularly maintain your personal data protection:

• Quarterly reviews: Set up a quarterly review process to examine your privacy settings across all platforms and services. Create a calendar reminder to check your social media privacy settings, review app permissions on your devices, and audit your online accounts for unused services that should be deleted.
• Credit monitoring: Monitor your financial accounts regularly for unauthorized activity and consider using credit monitoring services to alert you to potential identity theft.
• Breach alerts: Stay informed about data breaches in the services you use by signing up for breach notification services. If a breach occurs, this will allow you to take immediate action to change passwords, monitor affected accounts, and consider additional security measures for compromised services.
• Device updates: Enable automatic security and software updates on your devices, as these updates include important privacy and security improvements that protect you from newly discovered vulnerabilities.
• Education and awareness: Stay informed about new privacy risks, learn about emerging protective technologies, and share knowledge with family members and friends who may benefit from improved personal data protection practices.

By implementing these systematic approaches and maintaining regular attention to your privacy settings and data sharing practices, you significantly reduce your risk of identity theft and fraud while maintaining greater control over your digital presence and personal information.

Final thoughts

You don’t need to dramatically overhaul your entire digital security in one day, but you can start making meaningful improvements right now. Taking action today, even small steps, builds the foundation for stronger personal data protection and peace of mind in your digital life. Choose one critical account, update its password, enable multi-factor authentication, and you’ll already be significantly more secure than you were this morning. Your future self will thank you for taking these proactive steps to protect what matters most to you.

Every step you take toward better privacy protection strengthens your overall digital security and reduces your risk of becoming a victim of scams, identity theft, or unwanted surveillance. You’ve already taken the first step by learning about digital security risks and solutions. Now it’s time to put that knowledge into action with practical steps that fit seamlessly into your digital routine.

The post What Does It Take To Be Digitally Secure? appeared first on McAfee Blog.

Some years ago, a highly infectious computer worm called W32/Autorun was discovered to be infecting Windows computers. Unlike a virus, a worm such as W32/Autorun doesn’t steal anything from your computer. Instead, it spreads rapidly and opens as many security holes as possible to allow hackers to install a different form of malware that will eventually steal information, money, or both.

While this worm is less widespread today, it continues to infect older Windows operating systems that are not regularly updated. This guide will take a closer look at how the worm spreads and outline preventive measures to avoid infection.

Older Windows versions at risk

Autorun worms primarily affect older Windows systems such as Windows XP, Vista, and early versions of Windows 7, which had AutoRun enabled by default. Microsoft recognized this security vulnerability and significantly restricted AutoRun capabilities in newer Windows versions, but millions of older systems remain at risk if they haven’t been properly updated or configured.

When an autorun worm infects your system, it can compromise both your files and privacy in several ways by stealing personal documents, capturing passwords and banking information, or installing additional malware that monitors your online activities. Some variants encrypt your files for ransom, while others turn your computer into part of a botnet used for spam or cyberattacks. The infection can also spread to family members, friends, or colleagues when you share USB drives or connect to shared networks.

While this worm is less common today due to security updates in newer Windows operating systems, the concept of autorun malware is still relevant, often evolving into new forms that spread via malicious downloads, USB drives, or network shares. These forms use clever file drops and social engineering, with detection still relying on robust antivirus and user caution.

Key ways W32/Autorun bypasses your computer’s defenses

W32/Autorun is effective because it exploits everyday behaviors and outdated system features. Instead of forcing its way into your computer, it relies on built-in Windows functionality and simple tricks to get users to let it in, slip past basic defenses, and infect systems.

Easy way in via Windows AutoRun

An autorun worm spreads, as its name suggests, automatically through removable storage devices such as USB drives, external hard drives, and network shares. It takes advantage of Windows’ AutoRun and AutoPlay features to secretly execute itself when you connect the removable device to your computer that has AutoRun. A dialog box then pops up asking if you want to automatically run whatever is on the device. When you unsuspectingly click “run,” you’ve authorized the W32/Autorun worm. Once active, the worm copies itself to other connected drives and network locations, rapidly spreading to any system. While this feature was not included in Windows 8 for security reasons just like this, it still exists on many older machines that haven’t been updated in a while.

Fake folders lure victims in

Even if you don’t have Windows AutoRun enabled in your device, W32/Autorun disguises itself as interesting imposter files and folders with names like “porn” and “sexy” in infected flash drives or shared internet connections to trick you into downloading the worm. Once you click on the malicious file, it executes AutoRun and infects your computer.

The worm can also change your computer’s settings to allow it to run every time you boot up. Some variants even disable Windows updates to prevent the system from downloading security patches and ensure the worm can do its job of infecting every device your computer comes into contact with, opening the door for any virus a hacker wants to install at your expense.

Symptoms of a W32/Autorun worm infection

A W32/Autorun worm infection works quietly in the background, spreading to connected devices and weakening your system’s defenses without triggering immediate alarms. However, there are subtle signs that indicate the infection. Recognizing these early symptoms can help you take action to block the worm’s activities before it causes irreparable damage to your device and network:

• Slow performance: Your computer or internet connection may slow down due to the high processing usage that the worm requires as it actively searches for drives to infect.
• Presence of unfamiliar files/folders: The worm creates copies of itself and configuration files on infected drives, sometimes disguised with random names or enticing names such as “porn” or “sexy”.
• System instability: Your computer may begin freezing, crashing, or restarting unexpectedly as the worm runs multiple background processes while consuming system resources and interfering with normal operating functions.
• Modified settings: You might notice unexpected changes to your desktop, folder views, or system preferences without your input. These modifications are often made to hide malicious files or make it easier for the worm to run automatically.
• Loss of access to some features: Tools like Task Manager, Registry Editor, or Folder Options may suddenly become inaccessible. The worm disables these features to prevent you from stopping its processes or removing it manually.
• Disabled antivirus software or Windows updates: Your security software may stop working properly, or Windows updates may be turned off without explanation. This enables the worm to block security patches and scans that could remove it.
• Unusual network activity: You may notice unexplained internet traffic even when you’re not actively using your device. The worm could be contacting remote servers to report successful infections or download additional malicious components.
• Diminished storage space: Available disk space may shrink rapidly with no clear reason. This happens because the worm repeatedly copies itself across your system and connected drives.

Consequences of the W32/Autorun worm

The impact of the W32/Autorun worm can vary depending on the specific variant, ranging from minor annoyances to severe system compromise:

• System damage and further infection: The W32/Autorun worm acts as an entry point for attackers to silently install more dangerous malware, including data-stealing Trojans or destructive viruses.
• Data loss and corruption: Some variants can delete important files or corrupt stored data, making documents, photos, or applications unusable or permanently unreadable, even after the worm is removed.
• Disruption of operations: Because the worm consumes large amounts of processing power and memory in the background, it can slow down your device’s performance and stall programs to make daily computing tasks difficult.
• Unauthorized access and information theft: Certain W32/Autorun variants are capable of monitoring your online activity, including logging keystrokes, capturing login credentials, and stealing financial details or personal data.
• Aesthetic changes: Less destructive versions of the worm may focus on annoying changes such as altered desktop backgrounds, browser settings, or system appearance.

How to Prevent a W32/Autorun Infection

Preventing a W32/Autorun infection is largely about closing the simple security gaps the worm relies on to spread. By taking these steps, you can significantly reduce the chances of this worm gaining access to your computer.

1. Disable AutoRun

If your computer is still prompting you to automatically run applications each time you insert a CD, connect to a new network, or plug in a flash drive, update your computer as soon as possible. Visit the Microsoft website to learn how to disable AutoRun for your specific version of Windows.

2. Beware of shared removable devices

Remember that this worm is highly infectious. If you share a flash drive with a friend whose computer is infected, that flash drive will carry the worm to your computer. If you do need to share a device, make sure AutoRun is disabled before you plug it in, and check that your security protection has the capability to scan new drives to prevent you from clicking on infected files.

3. Use reliable antivirus

While the first two tips focus on prevention, a reliable security solution will not only prevent a W32/Autorun infection, but also remove it from your computer. Solutions like McAfee+ will catch the W32/Autorun worm bug and other similar malware, protecting you from accidentally spreading it to friends and family.

Final thoughts

Autorun worms represent a persistent threat that combines old vulnerabilities with modern attack techniques. Newer security measures may have reduced their impact, but these worms continue to target systems with outdated configurations through the continued use of removable media. This is why keeping systems updated and being cautious with external devices are important habits to apply.

In addition, you can protect yourself with proper security practices: disable AutoRun on older systems, keep your antivirus software updated, scan external devices before accessing their contents, and avoid connecting unknown USB drives to your computer.

The post Crush that Worm before It Creeps into Your Computer appeared first on McAfee Blog.

Thanksgiving—not before Halloween as we see things in stores and online now. It seems like the holiday season and decorations start earlier and earlier every year.

But one thing that hasn’t changed is that Black Friday is still a big shopping day. With the advent of online shopping has emerged Cyber Monday, another big sale day for online shoppers on the first Monday after Thanksgiving.

Although many of us may take advantage of these great deals that the holidays offer, we also need to be aware of the risks. Online shopping is a fun and convenient way to make purchases, locate hard-to-find items, and discover bargains, but we need to take steps to protect ourselves.

This guide looks at the methods and warning signs behind online shopping scams, shows you how to recognize fake shopping apps and websites, and shares tips for staying safe online.

Online shopping safety amid growing e-commerce concerns

Online shopping has become a cornerstone of American life. CapitalOne Shopping projects American online spending to reach $1.34 trillion in 2024 and exceed $2.5 trillion in 2030.

With such a massive sum at stake, cybercriminals are laser-focused on taking a share of it, posing financial risk to the 288 million Americans who shop online. As e-commerce grows, so does fraud. In 2024, e-commerce fraud was valued at $44.3 billion, a number seen to grow by 141% to $107 billion in 2029.

Be that as it may, there are many smart shopping habits you can apply to dramatically reduce your risk of becoming a victim of online shopping fraud and enjoy the convenience and benefits of online commerce.

Common online shopping scams

Online shopping scams are designed to look normal—at first glance—especially during busy sale seasons when we’re distracted by a million preparations, moving fast, and chasing deals. These are the very circumstances that fraudsters bank on to victimize you into taking the bait. Being aware of the common scam indicators will help you pause and think, recognize trouble early, and protect both your money and your personal information.

• Non-delivery scams: You pay for items that never arrive, often from fake storefronts or fraudulent sellers who disappear with your money. The seller might have required you to pay through a wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or gift card, methods that are indisputable and untraceable. If you check the website, it may look new and have no customer reviews or suspiciously have only perfect 5-star ratings. It may also offer prices that are significantly below market value.
• Counterfeit goods scams: You receive knock-off products instead of authentic brand-name items, particularly affecting electronics, cosmetics, and luxury goods. On closer inspection, you will notice spelling errors in brand names or product descriptions, the prices seem too good to be true for premium brands, and sellers have no proof of authenticity or authorized dealer status.
• Bait-and-switch scams: Attractive deals lure you in, but you’re pressured to buy different, more expensive items or receive products that don’t match what was advertised. This type of scam is usually characterized by items that are always “out of stock,” but offer readily available, more expensive alternatives. The seller also applies high-pressure sales tactics or limited-time offers that prevent you from comparison shopping, while the product descriptions are vague or don’t match the images shown.
• Refund and overpayment scams: In this scheme, scammers will pose as buyers who “accidentally” overpay you for items you’re selling, then request you to refund the difference before their original payment bounces. They will also use payment methods that can be reversed such as checks or money orders, then ask for a refund and suggest sending shipping companies to collect items before the payment clears.
• Website and marketplace impersonations: Fake websites designed to look like legitimate popular brands can steal your payment information and personal data. Watch out for websites that have slightly misspelled URLs or don’t use secure HTTPS encryption as marked by the padlock icon in your browser, as well as missing or incomplete contact information, privacy policies, or terms of service.
• Product return fraud: Scammers exploit return policies by selling you used, damaged, or counterfeit items while making returns and refunds difficult or impossible through fake or non-existent customer service. Their return policies are overly complicated, buried in fine print, or require original packaging that wasn’t provided. They will disappear from marketplaces immediately after the return period expires.

A guide to knowing if a shopping website is legit

Safe online shopping starts with recognizing the hallmarks of legitimate retailers. Before you enter any payment details, take a moment to verify that the website you’re shopping on is genuine. Scam stores can look polished and convincing, but they often leave behind subtle clues. Here are quick ways to check their authenticity:

1. Verify the website URL: By typing the URL directly into your browser rather than clicking links from emails or ads, you will avoid typosquatting scams—fake websites with URLs that look almost identical to real retailers, except for slight misspellings. Look for clear return and shipping policies. Read the fine print to understand your rights if something goes wrong.
2. Confirm physical address and customer service: Real businesses provide multiple ways to contact them, including a physical address, phone number, and email.
3. Evaluate pricing for realism: The prices are too good to be true, especially for high-demand or hard-to-find items. Many legitimate retailers now offer price-matching policies, allowing you to get market-average or competitive prices.
4. Check for verified customer reviews: Look for reviews on independent platforms like Google, Yelp, or Trustpilot rather than relying solely on testimonials on the retailer’s website. Cross-reference feedback across multiple platforms.
5. Ensure secure payment options: Look for HTTPS in the URL and avoid sites that only accept wire transfers, gift cards, peer-to-peer payment apps, or cryptocurrency. For online purchases, check that the seller offers secure payment options with dispute protection, such as digital wallets and/or credit cards.
6. Research domain age and registration: Use WHOIS lookup tools to check when the domain was registered. Fraudulent sites are usually newly created domains designed to disappear quickly after collecting payments. In addition, established retailers and official brand websites have invested heavily in solid security infrastructure and payment processing, customer protection programs, fraud prevention systems, and long-standing relationships with credit card companies that smaller or unknown sellers often lack.
7. Check the Better Business Bureau: Search for the seller’s company on the Better Business Bureau to see their rating, complaint history, and accreditation status, and help you identify potential risks before making a purchase.
8. Pay attention to browser safety warnings: Modern browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Safari will warn you about potentially dangerous or untrustworthy sites. Google’s Safe Browsing technology blocks millions of unsafe sites daily, so don’t ignore these warnings when they appear. Some comprehensive security tools also include web protection that alert you against dangerous links and downloads, malicious websites, and more.
9. Verify secure checkout processes: Legitimate sites use SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) encryption during checkout, which you can confirm by looking for “https://” and a lock icon in your browser’s address bar.

11 Tips for safe holiday shopping online

• Be extra vigilant: Cybercriminals send millions of fake shopping emails that contain suspicious links, with the aim of exploiting your anxiety over catching that amazing deal or deliveries. For example, you might receive an unexpected “Amazon Prime renewal” email or a text from UPS, FedEx, or other carriers when you didn’t purchase anything online. These phishing emails and texts contain malicious links designed to steal your personal information or install malware on your devices. Don’t click the link. Verify delivery notifications through your account or the carrier’s official website or app, then delete the scam email or text immediately.
• Stick with trusted sellers: When shopping on marketplaces, stick with your trusted online retailers and sellers with high ratings, extensive review histories, and “fulfilled by” programs where the main platform handles shipping and returns. Download retailer apps directly from official app stores rather than third-party sources, as these include enhanced security features and exclusive customer protections.
• Check the site’s web address: Always type retailer URLs directly into your browser’s address bar or use your bookmarks. Once you arrive at a site, make sure it is the correct URL such as www.amazon.com and not www.amazan.com. Purchase directly from official brand websites or authorized retailers, and verify seller credentials through the brand’s official dealer locator when shopping on marketplaces.
• Check that the site is secure: Some people cannot tell if a site is secure. Some things to look for on a secure site include:
  • A web address that starts with HTTPS instead of HTTP, indicating that encryption is used to protect your information.
  • A lock symbol beside the URL, proper SSL certificates, and several contact methods.
  • A security seal, such as the McAfee SECURE trustmark, indicating that the site has been scanned and verified as secure by a trusted third party. This security seal indicates that the site will help protect you from identity theft, credit card fraud, spam, and other malicious threats.
• Pay with a credit card or digital wallet: Credit cards offer better protection against fraud than debit cards. You won’t be liable for fraudulent purchases, while cyberthieves won’t be able to drain your bank account if they get your account log-in credentials. Better yet, use a virtual credit card number or a digital wallet such as Apple Pay or Google Pay to prevent your actual card details from being stored on merchant sites. Also, avoid storing your credit card information on new or questionable sites to reduce your exposure if those sites experience security breaches.
• Take note of shipping and return policies: Always review shipping timelines, return windows, and refund policies before completing your purchase. Not reading the fine print can leave you stuck with unwanted purchases or unexpected fees.
• Validate social media sellers: Shopping directly through social media platforms or unknown sellers bypasses traditional consumer safeguards. Before you buy from a social media seller, verify their legitimacy, check for customer reviews outside the platform, and use payment methods that offer dispute resolution.
• Keep communications on-platform: Never move conversations or payments outside the marketplace platform. Scammers often try to lure buyers to external communication channels or direct payment methods to circumvent buyer protections. Legitimate sellers understand that platform policies protect both parties and will keep all interactions within the official channels.
• Do not use a public computer or Wi-Fi when shopping online: Strangers may be able to access your browsing history and even your login information on shared devices or over unsecured public Wi-Fi. To protect yourself, do all of your online shopping from your home computer or your personal mobile device.
• Make sure you have a clean computer or mobile device: Make sure you have up-to-date security software on all your devices to safeguard your privacy, protect against identity theft, and defend against viruses and online threats.
• Keep a paper trail: Take a screenshot of product listings and advertisements before purchasing. Keep a copy of your order number and receipt, and note which credit card you used. When you receive your credit card statement, review it to make sure that the charge on your card is correct, with no extra fees.

The FTC also recommends these additional tips so you can enjoy all the advantages that online shopping has to offer and prevent risking your personal information.

Immediate steps to take if you ordered from a fake online store

1. Contact your credit card issuer immediately: Call the customer service number on the back of your card once you realize you’ve been scammed. Request a chargeback and explain that you received counterfeit goods, nothing at all, or that the merchant was fraudulent. You usually have 60 days from your statement date to dispute charges, but acting quickly improves your chances of a successful resolution.
2. Freeze or replace your payment card: Contact your bank or card issuer to freeze your current card and request a new account to prevent more unauthorized charges. If you used a debit card, this step is especially critical since debit card fraud protections are more limited than credit cards.
3. Change your passwords and enable two-factor authentication: If you created an account on the fake website, change your password immediately on your real account and any linked accounts such as email, banking, and social media. Enable two-factor authentication and think about using a password manager to generate and store unique passwords for each account.
4. Report the fraudulent seller to the platform or hosting service: Protect other consumers by reporting the fake store. If the site appeared in search results or social media ads, report it to those platforms. You can also report fraudulent websites to their hosting companies to take down fraudulent sites once notified.
5. File reports with federal and state authorities: Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) to help authorities track scam trends and assist in investigations. Additionally, contact your state’s attorney general office, as many have consumer protection divisions that handle online fraud.
6. Save and organize all evidence: Document everything related to your purchase in both digital and printed formats: screenshots of the website, confirmation emails, receipts, payment records, and any communication with the seller. Save copies of your credit card or bank statements showing the charge. These documents are essential for your chargeback dispute and law enforcement investigations.
7. Monitor your credit report and identity closely: Keep a close eye on your bank and credit card statements, as well as credit reports from all three major bureaus—Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion—for suspicious activity, and place a fraud alert or credit freeze on your accounts if you’re concerned about identity theft.
8. Follow up on your chargeback and dispute process: Stay in regular contact with your credit card company about your dispute and provide additional documents promptly if requested. Be patient and persistent as the investigation process could take up to 90 days.

Final thoughts

Online shopping should feel exciting, not a dangerous undertaking you have to brace for, especially during the season of giving. It can be, with a few simple steps—checking the URL, looking for HTTPS, verifying the seller, paying with a credit card or virtual number, and trusting your gut when something feels suspicious. These small habits will keep your money and your identity where they belong: with you.

For increased safety while shopping online, seek out the help of a trusted security solution such as McAfee+ that will alert you of risky links and compromised websites to prevent identity theft or malware infection.

If this guide helps you, pass it along to someone you care about. Scams don’t just target individuals—they cascade into families and friend groups. The more we normalize safe shopping habits and increase our vigilance, the harder it is for fraudsters to win. If you ever feel unsure mid-purchase, take a breath and double-check. A few extra seconds now can save you a lot of stress later. Stay safe, and happy shopping!

The post Helpful Tips for Safe Online Shopping appeared first on McAfee Blog.

Astrix Security, an Israeli cybersecurity startup that provides access management for third-party app integrations, has emerged from stealth with $15 million in funding. The startup was co-founded in 2021 by CEO Alon Jackson and CTO Idan Gour, both former members of Israel’s famed intelligence division Unit 8200, to help organizations monitor and control the complex […]

FIN7, a financially motivated Russian hacking group, has set up a fake company to lure unwitting IT specialists into supporting its continued expansion into ransomware, security researchers have found. According to researchers at Recorded Future’s Gemini Advisory unit, FIN7 — known for hacking into point-of-sale registers and stealing over $1 billion from millions of credit cards […]

Ring, the video doorbell maker dubbed the “largest civilian surveillance network the U.S. has ever seen,” is rolling out new but long overdue security and privacy features. The Amazon-owned company’s reputation was bruised after a spate of account breaches in late 2019, in which hackers broke into Ring user accounts and harassed children in their own […]

ZeroFox, a cybersecurity startup that helps companies detect risks found on social media and digital channels, has announced it has acquired dark web threat intelligence company Vigilante.  Vigilante — not to be confused with the controversial crime reporting app — scours the dark web to source intelligence that helps to protect organizations from cyberattacks. The […]

Japanese multinational conglomerate Fujifilm has been forced to shut down parts of its global network after falling victim to a suspected ransomware attack. The company, which is best known for its digital imaging products but also produces high-tech medical kit, including devices for rapid processing of COVID-19 tests, confirmed that its Tokyo headquarters was hit […]

Online shopping service Instacart says reused passwords are to blame for a recent spate of account breaches, which saw personal data belonging to hundreds of thousands of Instacart customers stolen and put up for sale on the dark web.

The company published a statement late on Thursday saying its investigation showed that Instacart “was not compromised or breached,” but pointed to credential stuffing, where hackers take lists of usernames and passwords stolen from other breached sites and brute-force their way into other accounts.

“In this instance, it appears that third-party bad actors were able to use usernames and passwords that were compromised in previous data breaches of other websites and apps to login to some Instacart accounts,” the statement reads.

The statement comes after BuzzFeed News reported that data on more than 270,000 user accounts was for sale on the dark web, including the account user’s name, address, the last four digits of their credit card, and their order histories from as recently as this week.

Instacart said that the stolen data represents a fraction of the “millions” of Instacart’s customers across the U.S. and Canada, a spokesperson told BuzzFeed News.

But who’s really to blame here: the customers for reusing passwords, or the company for not doing more to protect against password reuse?

Granted, it’s a bit of both. Any internet user should use a unique password on each website, and install a password manager to remember them for you wherever you go. That means if hackers make off with one of your passwords, they can’t break into all of your accounts. You should also enable two-factor authentication wherever possible to prevent hackers from breaking into your online accounts, even if they have your password. By sending a code to your phone — either by text message or an app — it adds a second layer of protection for your online accounts.

But Instacart cannot shift all the blame onto its users. Instacart still does not support two-factor authentication, which — if customers had enabled — would have prevented the account hacks to begin with. When we checked, there was no option to enable two-factor on an Instacart account, and no mention anywhere on Instacart’s site that it supports the security feature.

Data published by Google last year shows even the most basic two-factor can prevent the vast majority of automated credential stuffing attacks.

We asked the company if it plans to roll out two-factor to its users. When reached, Instacart spokesperson Lyndsey Grubbs would not comment on the record beyond pointing to Instacart’s already published statement.

Instacart claims security is a “top priority,” and that it has a “dedicated security team, as well as multiple layers of security measures, focused on protecting the integrity of all customer accounts and data.”

But without giving users basic security features like two-factor, Instacart users can barely protect their own accounts, let alone expect Instacart to do it for them.

Instacart blames reused passwords for account hacks, but customers are still without basic two-factor security by Zack Whittaker originally published on TechCrunch

It was a busy week in security.

Newly released documents shown exclusively to TechCrunch show that U.S. immigration authorities used a controversial cell phone snooping technology known as a “stingray” hundreds of times in the past three years. Also, if you haven’t updated your Android phone in a while, now would be a good time to check. That’s because a brand-new security vulnerability was found — and patched. The bug, if exploited, could let a malicious app trick a user into thinking they’re using a legitimate app that can be used to steal passwords.

Here’s more from the week.

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THE BIG PICTURE

Every iPhone now has a working jailbreak

Decrypted: iOS 13.5 jailbreak, FBI slams Apple, VCs talk cybersecurity by Zack Whittaker originally published on TechCrunch