8 Common Ways Hackers Break into Computer Systems

Hackers break into computer systems to steal data, funds, and critical business information without the owner’s consent.

Any connected system is at risk of being exploited by computer hackers. If cyber criminals gain access to your system, they can engage in financially and personally costly activities that are difficult to recover from.

They can use your credit cards, ruin your credit standing, empty your business accounts and obtain cash advances in your name. Hackers can also sell your information including business secrets to third parties.

To protect your computer network from hackers, it is important to understand the techniques hackers use to get into computer systems so that you can better defend against them.

1. Phishing
This is a form of social engineering that may be executed via email, SMS, or voice calls. A Phishing email is the most common method by which hackers compromise business systems.

Phishing that is tailored to a particular target is known as spear phishing. Phishing messages are designed to fake familiarity with the intended target. A user may receive a fake email about a product they use or a store they shop at to help create engagement with the malicious email.

Phishing emails may contain malicious attachments or links which are designed to exploit the vulnerability in the victim’s system or application such as the browser when opened. Hackers may also directly request personal information via email.

2. Drive-by Downloads
Hackers may implant malicious code on a hacked website or even set up a new domain themselves. The site automatically downloads and runs malicious scripts on unsuspecting visitors’ devices.

This method of gaining access to a target system is quite popular because it has the potential of infecting a large number of devices.

Drive-by download infections can be targeted in which actors specifically research the website used by a target and infect it with malware.

A malicious website may also offer trojan software disguised as a legitimate application in order to infect visitors’ PCs.

3. Remote Network Scan and Exploitation
Software used by businesses often contains bugs that can be exploited. A business application may also be improperly configured which introduces a security hole by which an attacker can gain access to the system.

Hackers can scan a network to identify security vulnerabilities on target networks which they then exploit to install malware and gain control of the system.

4. Cracking or Stealing Credentials
Many companies have a remote login system for their workers so they can access the company server for work purposes. If these credentials fall into the hands of hackers, they can easily login into the system and impersonate employees.

Weak passwords can be guessed by cybercriminals. They may also obtain passwords via bogus password reset requests.

5. Wi-Fi Attacks
Many organizations offer Wi-Fi connectivity whether through a third-party service provider or self-deployed one.

These WiFi networks present opportunities for hackers to get into business computer networks. All they need is to move close to the wifi coverage area and connect to the network by guessing, cracking, or even imitating a signed-in device.

Access to a corporate or public wifi network allows hackers to carry out various operations such as sniffing users’ credentials, executing a man-in-the-middle attack, and even redirecting victims to malicious websites for further compromise.

6. Installing USB Malware
People often associate computer hacking with compromising a system remotely. However, hackers sometimes prefer a hands-on approach to gaining access to a computer.

This involves mailing or physically delivering an infected USB device to a work environment and tricking an employee to plug it into the computer system. They may also recruit an insider to help them with USB malware installation.

The USB devices used for this kind of operation are usually configured to automatically run malware upon insertion into a compatible system.

7. Hacking Mobile Devices
Mobile devices offer a lot of convenience for employees but they are at a high risk of getting lost or stolen.

When a mobile device is stolen, it is often trivial for knowledgeable attackers to compromise the device, especially those with weak passwords or outdated OS.

Physical access to a device gives hackers unlimited access to a mobile phone which may contain sensitive data as well apps for accessing business data.

A mobile device may also be compromised by tricking victims into installing mobile spyware for controlling remote devices.

8. Hunting Credentials on Third-party Sites
Attackers don’t just give up if they can’t breach a system directly. They may investigate other services used by an organization’s employees and attempt to hack the service.

Hackers may also seek out databases of leaked username and passwords from popular online services to see if a target’s email and password is in the public domain.

Passwords obtained from third-party online services are then tried against the original target.

How to Protect Your System from Hackers

  1. Install a spam filtering system.
  2. Deploy properly configured firewall for your systems and network.
  3. Update your OS, browsers, and other applications regularly.
  4. Always use unique complex passwords for different websites.
  5. Set up a backup and recovery system for your business.
  6. Avoid using public Wi-Fi network always sit behind VPN when using them if you must.
  7. Install anti-virus and anti-spyware programs for your system.
  8. Deploy two-factor authentication for all your organization’s login systems.

An insecure computer is vulnerable to hackers and other cybercriminals. You should take the necessary steps to protect your organization from malicious programs and entities that can expose your business and customers’ data.

Want to protect your computer network from hackers? Contact us to learn more.

Common IT Security Compliance Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

June 17, 2025
Meeting IT security compliance standards is crucial for businesses that handle sensitive data, particularly in industries such as healthcare, finance, defense, and e-commerce. Regulatory frameworks such as HIPAA, CMMC, PCI-DSS, and GDPR exist to help ensure businesses protect customer information and maintain robust cybersecurity practices. Unfortunately, many organizations fall short of these requirements, often due to common, avoidable mistakes. These gaps can result in costly fines, data breaches, and reputational damage, which can significantly impact the business's bottom line and customer trust. 1. Failing to Conduct Regular Risk Assessments The Pitfall: Many businesses overlook the importance of conducting routine risk assessments. Without these, it’s challenging to identify vulnerabilities or evaluate whether your current cybersecurity controls meet compliance standards. How to Avoid It: Implement a regular risk assessment schedule. Work with a qualified IT provider to evaluate your systems, identify weaknesses, and document remediation plans. These assessments should be performed at least annually, or whenever significant changes to the system occur. 2. Inadequate Employee Training The Pitfall: Your employees are your first line of defense—and often your most significant vulnerability. A common compliance issue arises when businesses fail to train staff on cybersecurity best practices or on handling sensitive data appropriately. How to Avoid It: Invest in ongoing cybersecurity awareness training. Ensure employees understand how to recognize phishing emails, create strong passwords, and report any suspicious activity. Training should be updated regularly to reflect current threats and compliance requirements. 3. Improper Data Handling and Storage The Pitfall: Storing sensitive data in unsecured locations, failing to encrypt information, or retaining data longer than necessary are significant compliance risks. These practices are often flagged during audits. How to Avoid It: Adopt data classification policies that define how different types of data should be handled; encrypt sensitive data both at rest and in transit. Establish clear data retention policies and ensure that obsolete data is disposed of securely. 4. Lack of Incident Response Planning The Pitfall: When a security incident occurs, time is of the essence. Many businesses lack a documented incident response plan, or their existing plan hasn’t been thoroughly tested. This can lead to delayed responses, increased damage, and regulatory penalties. How to Avoid It: Develop a formal incident response plan that includes roles, responsibilities, communication protocols, and steps for containment and recovery. Run simulated breach scenarios with your IT team to ensure everyone knows how to respond effectively. 5. Using Outdated Software or Systems The Pitfall: Running outdated operating systems, software, or firmware is a common issue that can lead to compliance failures. Unsupported technologies are more vulnerable to exploitation. How to Avoid It: Keep all systems and applications up to date with the latest patches. Use automated tools to track software versions and receive alerts about end-of-life technologies. Schedule regular maintenance windows to apply updates and upgrades. 6. Insufficient Access Controls The Pitfall: Allowing too many employees access to sensitive data—or failing to revoke access when it’s no longer needed—can lead to data breaches and non-compliance. How to Avoid It: Implement role-based access controls and follow the principle of least privilege. This principle means that each user should have the minimum level of access necessary to perform their job. Regularly audit user accounts and permissions to ensure access is current and appropriate. Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) to add an additional layer of protection. 7. Neglecting Third-Party Vendor Risks The Pitfall: Businesses often overlook the fact that their compliance responsibilities extend to third-party vendors. If a vendor mishandles your data, you could still be held accountable. How to Avoid It: Vet third-party vendors carefully. Ensure they meet the same compliance standards as your business and include security requirements in your contracts. Conduct periodic audits or request compliance certifications from your vendors. 8. Failing to Document Policies and Procedures The Pitfall: Even if your security practices are strong, failing to document your compliance policies can result in audit failures. Regulators want to see evidence that you have formal processes in place. How to Avoid It: Create and maintain clear documentation for all compliance-related policies, including data protection, access control, incident response, and employee training. Make these documents easily accessible for audits and regularly review them to ensure updates are current. Conclusion Compliance with IT security standards is not a one-time project—it requires ongoing attention, regular updates, and a proactive approach to maintain effectiveness. By understanding and addressing these common pitfalls, your business can stay ahead of regulatory requirements, strengthen its security posture, and reduce the risk of costly incidents. This ongoing attention is crucial to maintaining your business's security and audit readiness. If you’re unsure whether your business is meeting current IT compliance standards, professional support can help. Contact SDTEK today to schedule a compliance assessment and learn how our IT services can keep your business secure and audit-ready. With our support, you can navigate the complex landscape of IT security compliance with confidence.

Why Cybersecurity and Business IT Support Are Crucial for Fort Wayne Businesses

April 9, 2025
In today’s digital-first world, cybersecurity isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity. Whether you run a small startup or a growing enterprise in Fort Wayne , protecting your business’s data, systems, and clients is essential for long-term success. From ransomware attacks to phishing scams, cyber threats are evolving every day, and the best way to stay ahead of them is by partnering with a reliable IT services provider that understands the unique needs of local businesses. Here’s why investing in professional business IT support is one of the smartest decisions Fort Wayne businesses can make—and how working with SDTEK helps protect your operations, your data, and your reputation.