4 ways hackers can hack you right now

Five years ago, Edward Snowden revealed that the NSA in USA extensively collects information on USA citizens worldwide. It’s now clear that privacy is no longer a right we can take for granted.

What’s more, the recent information shared by WikiLeaks surrounding hacking and spying emphasizes a chilling fact: You can be spied on at any moment. While law enforcement should learn to love encryption, it’s clear they are set on spying and hacking targets of interest.

Here are four ways hackers could be targeting you, wherever you are.

1. Smartphone hacking: Turning your smartphone into a bug

Mobile Devices branch of hackers has targeted smartphones as a way to spy on unsuspecting users. Whether you’re an iPhone or an Android user, the hacker have developed exploits that can access text and audio communications directly on your phone before they get encrypted by your favorite chat app.

Furthermore, hacked phones can be instructed to relay your location and activate their cameras and microphones, which inconspicuously turns your phone into a hacker’s bug.

2. Smart TV spying: Spying through your TV

We’re all used to watching people on TV. Sadly, they may now be watching you through yours. According to WikiLeaks, there is a developed a program called Weeping Angel, which can place a smart TV in a surveillance mode. During a Weeping Angel attack, the TV will appear off, but it will secretly record audio and send it to hacker’s servers.

3. Computer hacking: Infecting your computer with NSA technology

Malware is not only used by nefarious criminals seeking to extract money from you. WikiLeaks reported a substantial effort by law enforcers to infect and control computers, potentially corrupting CDs, DVDs, and USB sticks. Furthermore, WikiLeaks reports that there are much dangerous developed capabilities to not only infiltrate systems but to remain undetected in infected devices.

4. Carjacking: Controlling your car on the road

Scarily, hackers can allegedly hack the control systems of modern vehicles. Not only does this allow them to know where you are and where you’re going, but it gives them the potential to carry out nearly undetectable assassinations.

How to protect yourself from spying and hacking

The truth is, hackers and other security agencies around the world are ramping up efforts to monitor and interfere with perceived targets of interest. To protect yourself from these hacking:

1. Frequently update the security settings of your devices.
2. Do not use unencrypted communication tools/devices.
3. Never leave your devices unattended.
4. Follow these tips for internet privacy.

Remember: No matter what hackers and security groups choose to do, the power to remain anonymous remains with you.

Last updated on April 1st, 2023