Morse Code is over 150 years old. It was invented by Samuel Morse in the 1830s.
In 1844, Morse appeared before Congress to show off his machine.
And the first public message was transmitted on May 24, 1844. It was “What God hath wrought.”
But as old as it is, Morse Code is still used among amateur radio operators, and….
Cyber hackers.
You see, recently, Microsoft revealed details of a social engineering hack.
The hackers carried out the attacks using fake invoices related to financial transactions.
They sent the fake invoices in e-mails containing HTML files. The goal was to steal usernames and passwords.
The attachments were designed like a jigsaw puzzle. This made it difficult for security software to detect the virus.
Once victims opened the attachment a browser would launch a window. The new window took the user to a fake Microsoft login.
The fake login urged users to sign in because the invoice document had timed out.
If the user entered their login and password, their access would be denied. But this is when the hackers stole information in the background.
Yet, the hackers used multiple coding techniques to hide their actions. This was done to hide the dangerous segments of the attachment.
These encryptions included Morse Code.
According to Microsoft, they discovered the use of the Morse Code in May 2021.
One of the reasons cybersecurity is such a big problem is because companies don’t invest enough money in it.
Another reason cybercrime is so rampant is that companies often use outdated technology.
The old equipment could be letting hackers inside.
That being said, here are a few old-school ways – beside Morse Code – hackers can target your workplace or home.
Fax machines:
It’s estimated that 62% of companies still use physical fax machines.
But when was the last time you heard of anyone updating the software or password on the fax machine.
Many passwords on fax machines are the default passwords provided by the manufacturer.
So by now, hackers likely know exactly what the password is.
If a hacker gains access to a fax machine they can steal sensitive documents or change the password.
If you still have a fax machine at work or home make sure you update the password.
Also, add a VPN to your fax machine to secure it from hackers.
HVAC systems:
Years ago, Target had their computer network hacked after cybercriminals stole credentials from a third-party vendor.
Hackers compromised an HVAC company that serviced multiple Target locations.
Whether at work or home be careful who you share your internet access with.
If you have a fancy HVAC system that connects to the internet you should make sure you use a strong password and VPN (Virtual Private Network).
Also, don’t share credentials with anyone who doesn’t need access.
If a third party just wants to listen to music on a job site tell them they will need to do so on their network.
Video Conference:
The use of video conferencing has skyrocketed since the pandemic, but many office settings still use outdated conferencing systems.
So, the technology used for video meetings is a prime target for hackers.
Cybercriminals look for ways to hack video conferencing systems connected to Wi-Fi networks.
These systems are a prime target because they can hack outdated hardware such as a camera or microphone.
Even if you are using a more trusted software such as Zoom, the hardware needs to be up to date as well.
So, if you are using an old camera consider updating to a new one with the latest security.
The reality is that simply securing the internet network you are using isn’t enough to protect you.
Cybercriminals are smart and will look for the easiest opening to carry out their crimes. Oftentimes their target is old and less used technology.
At the end of the day, cybercriminals will resort to whatever methods allow them to succeed…
Even using 150-year-old Morse Code to hide their tracks.
