Different types of hacking


Cybercrime is one of the biggest ongoing concerns in the online realm. There are different types of hacking and those have different purposes. But the goal of all hacks is to wreak havoc on computer systems and retrieve valuable information.

Here, we have listed the different types of hacking.

Indiscriminate hacking

Indiscriminate hacks can also be referred as random hacks as they do not have a specific target such as individuals or organisations. Rather, these hacks disrupt random data that comes into its path.

Red October is one of the most destructive indiscriminate hacks. This malware program operated in worldwide networks prior to its discovery in 2012. This malware affected scientific research, government, and diplomatic organisations worldwide.

Integrity attack

Contrary to indiscriminate hacking, integrity attacks are the hacks that focus on elements within communications, data, and/or transactions. For instance, an integrity attack can alter the deposit settings of a user’s paycheque and redirect the money into a different hacker’s bank account.

Example of an integrity attack is the Gauss malware that altered minor configuration in a nuclear program.


Ransomware is a type of malware program that prevents users from accessing their computer system until a ransom is paid (generally in bitcoins). If the users do not comply with the demands, their data stored on the computer system will be erased.

WannaCry is one of the latest examples of a ransomware attack.  The ransomware software targeted computers running Microsoft Windows operating system, encrypted data and demanded payment in Bitcoin.

Corporate hacking

Corporate and industrial companies are an enormous pool of valuable data and are therefore one of the biggest targets of hackers. Technology giant Google became a victim of such a hack in 2010.

As a result of the hack, Google had some of its valuable data, including email accounts of human rights activists compromised.

Government hacking

Similar to corporate hacking, government hacking involves government organisations being the target of hackers. This type of attack is usually carried out to steal valuable data such as confidential documents. Hackers can even carry out such attacks on the aim of accessing government bodies’ computer-controlled weapons.

Personal data hack

Personal data are treasure troves for companies such as online retailers. Hackers with the intent of stealing users’ personal data often target online B2C organisations to get access to sensitive data such as credit and debit card details, phone numbers, home address, and purchase history.

Improve the security of your business website

Your business website too can be a target for hackers. The best way to improve the security of your website is to use two-factor authentication system that doesn’t involve the use of passwords.

SuperAuth is one such system which secures your website or apps through multi-factor no password authentication. For further details, visit https://superauth.com.

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