…IT Expert Gives Tips on How to Ward off Hackers
The Internet Services Providers (ISPs) whose systems and routers were hit by a hacker in the past four days have started retrieving modems and routers of their customers that were affected by the hack.
A customer who visited one of the ISPs in Festac today was asked to drop his modem and come back in six days’ time to get it back. A customer relations officer at one of the affected ISPs told eWorldnews, “Our system was hacked but it only affected the first generation of modems that were given out. Our new generation of modems were not affected”, she said.
eWorldNews exclusively reported on Tuesday that hackers have hit several internet services providers and systems suppliers in Nigeria, blocking every access between routers and the internet service providers.
Apart from the routers, the servers of the ISPs were also affected. Some of the companies currently hit include Spectranet, an ISP, ZTE KKON Tech and Netis BSNL.
The hacker known as Jisatsu had asked the affected companies’ customers to pay 0.02 BTC, equivalent of $106.13 to its wallet for it to vacate its blocked routers.
“If we don’t receive the requested amount of money, we will continue attacking your infrastructure. We are going to continue to hacking your routers” until the companies pay the said amount.
The hacker is asking the affected companies to pay the said amount into wallet through Blockchain.
Tips To Ward Of Attack
Meanwhile an IT Expert, Mr Chris Uwaje has given tips on how customers can avoid their modems being affected.
Uwaje said generally, Hackers’ strength lies in sniffing and fishing out vulnerabilities in digital Network Ecosystem.
“And our Network places have become valuable shelters for various cyberspace operations and activities. So, it’s safe to state that Hackers are Masters of Digital hijack. They do his for various reasons – ranging from man-in-the-middle decoy, hiding cave, gateway to launch various attacks aimed at the Horney bee.
“Now that the Manufacturers of Networks Infrastructure have scaled up their security architecture at relatively higher costs, Hackers have also changed tactics by aiming at the low-hanging fruits by attacking vulnerable low-end devices, such as mass-produced Modem, Routers, Cell phones, (wired and/or wireless) etc. which are subject to digital exploitation.
“Most Users – individuals and Small Businesses acquire Network devices without caring to read the manuals nor having dedicated technical support to assist them in case of digital disaster. Recently, Hackers have new found love in taking digital hostages of Users via the Router gateway to their Network. How does it work? Simple: through a CLICK! What are they looking for? The new gold: DATA! The trap is set to take over your digital environment by hijacking your Password”.
According to Uwaje, many users are ignorant of the fact that their routers have password, so “It is important to explore your routers and other Network devices inside-out. All digital devices have internal or embedded software. The router has a firmware that requires periodic security updates to remain safe and beyond the reach of digital bad guys out there”.
Applying the DNS Changer attack vector.
Uwaje said it is also important to have a fair idea of the Domain Name System (DNS), which is a networking/Internet process that takes you to websites you want to visit. Applying the DNS Changer attack vector Technik, a hacker places disruptive piece of malicious software inside your router. This can happen in many stages of intrusion: both involving clicking on texts, images or invited advertisements.
Tips
“Think two, three or four times (2x, 3x and 4x) before you CLICK anything on the Cyberspace. Adopt and use Local Language Password from today. Change your password as frequent as possible. Engage your service providers on their security preparedness and disaster recovery plans. Ensure your IP address is protected. Make sure your Router security features are updated by your service provider”, Uwaje counselled.
