Internet searches: cybercriminal conversion
Cybersecurity professionals have reason to be concerned. In 2020, internet searches for how to hack have skyrocketed!
The COVID-19 pandemic, lockdown, remote working, economic crisis, and rising unemployment are all reasons why millions of people are looking for new potential sources of income. Interest in computer hacking has, in fact, increased dramatically during March, April, and May 2020. (source: cybernews.com).
The fantasy that a hacker can easily and quickly earn a considerable amount of money seems to be attracting more and more people.
Worrying increase in internet searches for how to "hack"
In fact, a survey conducted by Cybernews reveals that Internet searches related to cybercrime to become a hacker have "exploded": on Google Trends, queries such as "hacking courses" and "ethical hacking courses" reached record levels in 2020. According to Cybernews, "other terms related to cybercrime such as 'how to access the dark web,' 'how to scam,' and 'learn hacking' have seen their highest number of searches in five years or more."
Finally, the number of searches related to learning about cybercrime, such as:
- how to hack;
- how to become a computer hacker;
- tutorial on hacking;
- hack tutorial;
- learn computer hacking;
- how to access the dark web;
- empire market (the world's largest dark web marketplace);
increased significantly in March and April, compared to their "usual" average.
In addition, searches for popular hacker websites and forums increased by 66% in 2020.
Becoming a hacker: a career with a future?
The potential economic slowdown caused by the pandemic risks exacerbating an already tense situation. This is especially true given that malware is now easy to obtain and use, which is one of the reasons behind the surge in internet searches for the term "hacker." As a result, interest in acquiring hacking and cybercrime skills is likely to grow in the near future. Nevertheless, reaching the level of an experienced hacker and carrying out a high-level cyberattack requires knowledge, skills, and investment that few self-taught individuals or "budding" fraudsters have. Fortunately, many people will give up before even trying! However, given the context, cybersecurity professionals must remain vigilant on this issue.
Where do potential cybercriminals come from?
Observing the geopolitical, health, and social situation around the world helps us understand where cybercriminals come from: generally from disadvantaged or unstable countries and regions (Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Nigeria, etc.) where cybercrime is one of the ways to survive. And the situation is far from improving with COVID-19 and rising unemployment.
However, other countries that are "less exposed" must also remain vigilant and alert. Cybercrime also appeals to people seeking recognition, popularity, a sense of belonging to a community, power, or thrills. It is a path that many young people are attracted to. (source: cybernews).
Can we contain the looming crisis?
Yes, as long as you let her know!
Recently, we have seen organizations wake up and become truly aware of the importance of cybersecurity. More informed and alert, they are equipping themselves with solutions to combat cybercrime. They know that attacks can come at any time, regardless of the method used:
- Fraudulent email, known as phishing ;
- Spoofed URL, also known as spoofed URL ;
- Use of personal IT tools, applications, services, programs, or software in the workplace without the approval of the Head of IT Services, referred to as Shadow IT ;
- …and the list is not exhaustive.
That is why, in addition to technical solutions, placing employees at the center of cybersecurity remains essential! People are both at the heart of and the key to the solution!
At Avant de Cliquer, we are committed to strengtheningyour employees' knowledge and skillsin cybersecurity.
