Hackers are often portrayed as loners. However, cybercrime is a complex and collaborative ecosystem. Hackers can have many motives, from economic gain meeting the executives online to political goals. Knowing what hackers are after can help you to anticipate attacks and create systems to protect your small companies.

Some hackers use their expertise for good, locating security holes and bringing them to the attention of authorities to fix them. These hackers are known as white hat hackers, and they’re typically paid by the businesses they work for to perform penetration tests. Certain hackers are more dangerous, such as those who steal personal information to commit credit card fraud identity theft, for instance, or use viruses to make unauthorized payments or shut down devices.

A solid password is your first defense against hacking. Incorporating two-factor authentication into sites like social media and banking can further increase your protection. Encrypting your hard drive is another simple way to block hackers from gaining access to your sensitive data even if they are able to penetrate your device. Make sure that you keep your operating system, browsers and important apps updated regularly. The majority of devices automatically update, which can close vulnerabilities in software that could permit hackers to access and steal information.

We live in a connected world where our phones, computers and tablets are always on. It’s tempting to let your guard down and give away too much information online, but that’s exactly what hackers are after. Beware of shopping on public Wi-Fi and login to personal accounts. Also, don’t keep any account open 24/7.