Electronic Hacking: Its Mechanism, Risks, and Prevention Methods<br /><br />Introduction<br /><br />With the development of technology and the spread of the internet, cyberattacks have become more complex and dangerous. Among these attacks, the use of viruses to hack devices is one of the most dangerous methods that hackers rely on to breach the data of individuals and organizations.<br /><br />In this article, we will discuss how the hacking process is carried out using viruses, what its risks are, and how to avoid it.<br /><br />How does the hacking process occur using viruses?<br /><br />Hacking using viruses relies on spreading malicious software to control devices, steal data, or disrupt systems. The process is carried out through several steps:<br /><br />Creating the virus<br /><br />The hacker programs a virus or malicious software capable of performing illegal operations on the infected device.<br />The virus can be of various types such as Ransomware, Trojan, or Worms.<br /><br />Spreading the virus<br /><br />The virus is distributed through multiple means such as:<br />Email (sending malicious links or attachments).<br />Malicious or malware-infected websites.<br />External storage devices such as USB.<br />Fake or infected applications on smartphones and computers.<br /><br />Hacking devices<br /><br />Once the infected file is opened or the application is run, the virus starts working.<br />The virus may record keystrokes (Keylogger), steal data, or encrypt files to demand a ransom.<br /><br />Executing the attack<br /><br />After infecting the device, the hacker can spy on the user, steal their data, or even have complete control over their device.<br />Some viruses move between devices on the network to spread the infection more widely.<br /><br />Risks of Hacking using Viruses<br /><br />Hacking devices via viruses carries many risks, whether for individuals or companies, including:<br /><br />Personal Data Theft<br /><br />Passwords, bank card numbers, or even sensitive data stored on the device can be stolen.<br /><br />Cyber ​​Extortion<br /><br />Some viruses, such as ransomware, encrypt files and only return them after paying a sum of money.<br /><br />Espionage and Surveillance<br /><br />Some viruses allow the hacker to monitor the victim through the camera and microphone without their knowledge.<br /><br />Disrupting Systems and Networks<br /><br />Some viruses cause a complete paralysis in the systems of companies, banks, and websites.<br /><br />Using Infected Devices as Tools for Attacks<br /><br />The infected device may be used as part of a Botnet to carry out cyberattacks on other targets.<br /><br />How to Avoid Hacking and Protect Devices?<br /><br />To protect yourself from hacking, it is necessary to take the following measures:<br /><br />1. Update systems and software regularly<br /><br />Make sure to update your operating system and installed programs continuously, as updates often contain fixes for security vulnerabilities.<br /><br />2. Use protection programs (Antivirus & Firewall)<br /><br />Install a strong protection program and make sure it is activated and updated continuously.<br />Use a Firewall to prevent suspicious connections.<br /><br />3. Be careful when opening links and attachments<br /><br />Do not open any suspicious attachments or links that you receive via email or social media.<br />Verify the sender's identity before downloading any file.<br /><br />4. Avoid downloading programs from unreliable sources<br /><br />Use official application stores such as Google Play and Apple Store.<br />Do not install programs from unknown sources on your device.<br /><br />5. Use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication<br /><br />Use complex and non-repeating passwords in more than one account.<br />Activate the two-factor authentication (2FA) feature to protect your important accounts.<br /><br />6. Make data backups<br /><br />Keep backups of your important files on an external storage unit or on the cloud.<br />This procedure helps you restore your data in the event of an attack.<br /><br />7. Educate users about cybersecurity<br /><br />Recognizing common hacking methods can help avoid falling into cyber traps.<br />Attending workshops or following reliable sources about cybersecurity is very useful.<br /><br />Conclusion<br /><br />Hacking using viruses poses a real threat to individuals and companies, but with appropriate preventive measures, the risks can be greatly reduced. Awareness of the latest cyberattack methods and how to protect against them is the first line of defense against these threats. Therefore, it is necessary for everyone to be keen on following the best security practices to protect their data and devices from hacking.<br /><br />Al-Mustaqbal University, the first university in Iraq