Every day, websites and blogs fall victim to attacks from cybercriminals. Let's try to understand the objectives and gains that malicious actors can derive from such actions.
Each day, thousands of web resources become targets of cybercriminal hacking. Hacked websites are used by wrongdoers in a wide array of scenarios: from creating phishing pages to mass distribution of SEO spam. Owners of small online platforms might mistakenly believe they are safe, as their sites may not seem interesting to hackers. However, unfortunately, that's usually not the case.
The motives behind web resource hacking are as diverse as the methods employed for these actions. Consequently, cybercriminals can target virtually any site. This article will explore 10 potential reasons why perpetrators might aim to hack your website.
1. Financial Data
Online resources engaged in sales represent the most apparent target for cybercriminals. Theft of financial data is one of the primary objectives pursued by hackers. The acquired payment details can be used by malicious actors either personally or handed over to third parties.
There are numerous hacking methods that enable the theft of payment data entered on a website. Even if you do not personally store financial information, your resource still attracts the attention of wrongdoers aiming to steal financial data.
2. Personal Data
Web platforms often collect personal information from visitors, such as email addresses. Business-oriented sites might also hold information about company employees or upcoming product releases.
Any form of such information can hold value for a hacker. Cybercriminals can sell the gathered data on darknet marketplaces or offer it to the owner of the compromised resource in exchange for a safe return of the information.
3. Phishing Pages
Phishing pages are web pages created with the aim of stealing confidential information. They meticulously mimic regular websites, faithfully replicating their original designs. Cybercriminals craft counterfeit pages that disguise themselves as the interface of a banking site, luring users into their networks. Unsuspecting visitors enter their credentials on the phishing page, and the confidential information falls into the hands of wrongdoers.
Google actively combats phishing, preemptively warning users about potential dangers. However, if a site has gained trust from Google, it can be hacked and used to bypass such protections. Additionally, it's important to remember that phishing pages are illegal. Criminals, using a compromised resource, can maintain their anonymity.
4. SEO Spam
Most website owners recognize the importance of search engine optimization (SEO) strategies. Many SEO methods involve building backlinks, which serve as a kind of recommendation from one site to another.
Every day, cybercriminals hack numerous web resources to carry out SEO spam. Hackers take control of a site and then create backlinks either manually or through automated programs.
A website with a strong reputation holds special value for cybercriminals. However, each such instance of site abuse undermines its reputation in the eyes of search engines.
5. Email Spam Distribution
Spam emails inconvenience users by cluttering their mailboxes. Nevertheless, sending spam can be profitable. This is why cybercriminals often hack websites to carry out spam campaigns and profit from them.
Once gaining control of a web resource, cybercriminals use its domain name to avoid being flagged as spam. Furthermore, hackers can send massive volumes of messages without violating sending rules imposed by their own email providers.
The most detrimental consequence of such an attack is reputation loss. Spam recipients are likely to associate the sender with the owner of the compromised site.
6. Malware
Currently, gaining access to malware has become a relatively easy task. Many cybercriminals don't even develop their own malicious software; they prefer to buy ready-made solutions. The primary challenge in profiting from malware lies in how to distribute it onto target computers.
A hacked website is an ideal platform for such purposes. If your site is trusted by Google, it can be used to distribute malware without any warnings from search engines. Users, trusting the site's reliability, might unintentionally permit the download of a suspicious file.
7. Free Advertising
Websites with high traffic levels are at risk of being hacked for the purpose of advertising. For example, a perpetrator might insert advertisements for their own product onto the website.
Another possibility is traffic redirection. Users visiting the compromised site might be automatically redirected to the hackers' resource.
8. Hands-On Learning
Hacking is a skill that requires practice. Naturally, learning the hacking process is possible in a controlled environment; many online services are designed for this purpose. However, most hackers start their journey with real websites.
In the early stages, a novice cybercriminal will likely choose a small website to practice on before moving on to more lucrative targets.
9. Entertainment
Occasionally, hackers breach sites simply because they enjoy it. Many notable cyberattacks have been carried out for the sole purpose of hackers testing their skills. In other words, a hacker might target your website just to challenge themselves.
Another common motivation is the desire to boast. A hacker might take pride in controlling your resource and share this accomplishment with their friends.
10. Website Downtime and Extortion
Oftentimes, hackers breach websites with the intention of temporarily disabling them. The motive behind such downtime can be driven by revenge, such as in response to a statement or action that displeased the wrongdoer. Additionally, these attacks can be carried out for financial gain.
Websites that generate revenue become particularly attractive to cybercriminals. By placing such a resource in a state of outage, a hacker might demand payment from the owners in exchange for restoring normal website functionality.
Begin Ensuring Your Website's Security Today
Respected website owners, be vigilant. Hackers have numerous motives for attacking your resource. However, the majority of hacking attempts can be prevented.
To safeguard your website from minor breaches, taking a few measures is sufficient: selecting a reliable hosting provider, regularly updating your software, and avoiding the use of weak passwords. Additionally, remain cautious regarding phishing emails.