Observing good digital security practices such as quality passwords, firewalls, constant software updates, and reliable antivirus software is a top priority in all organizations and an essential precaution. Malicious hac-


kers today are intelligent enough to bypass most of these bare minimums, rendering it vain to lock up servers behind fortified buildings.

 

Computers have become the de facto problem-solving tools in the digital world networked by the versatile internet. As a result, companies, government institutions, nonprofit organizations, small-medium enterprises and many other organs have become vulnerable to unethical hacking where they could lose vital data and have the overall infrastructure vandalized. Data is expensive and should be protected.

 

Since basic security measures can never be adequate, consistent monitoring of networks for any fraudulent behavior is the best strategy to ensure internal and external intruders are kept at bay. It also provides a timely response if any threats are detected, and in the event of a breach, the suitable measures are put into action to prevent further exposure.

 

Recently cases of computer break-in have been on the rise. Computer attacks levels of complexity vary, Weak passwords being in most cases associated with successful break-ins. Considering that computers are continuously communicating through the internet, some hackers use sophisticated technology and tools to identify loopholes in computer systems from where they get an entry and hence manage to manipulate, at times, without even being detected. Surprisingly, this happens even with firewalls put in place.

 

The use of malicious code called computer virus and Phishing are common methods intruders use to obtain private data that can be used to access specific systems. Phishing is the duplicitous practice of sending emails purporting to be a reputable company’s affiliate to lure individuals into revealing personal information such as accounts passwords.

 

Besides adhering to best practices, software developers should use open source and well-tested security frameworks in the development of computer software; this could highly reduce chances of successful penetration by unethical hackers. Continuous testing of organization software and systems is vital. Continuous testing means ethical hacking. An ethical hacker conducts penetration testing just the same way a fraudster does, with the aim of identifying loopholes and taking action immediately.