4 damaging hacks we’re still reeling from in 2018
Equifax
The Equifax hack exposed the social security numbers, tax identification numbers, driver’s licensing information and even email addresses. New information has been revealed — the hack is worse than authorities initially believed. With the additional stolen information, the hackers have the necessary information to file fraudulent tax returns and open lines of credit.
Stuxnet
In 2010, a Tom Clancy style hack, Stuxnet, was discovered to be the cause of real-world damage. It was so sophisticated it destroyed many of Iran’s nuclear centrifuges. A testiment to its complexity, Stuxnet did little or no harm to computers not involved in uranium. This hack was executed by the United States and Israel, elevating the severity to a geopolitical issue.
Ashley Madison
This hack has more profound real world consequences than Stuxnet and Equifax. After 33 million names and email addresses for users on the extra-marital affair website Ashley Madison were released, innocent people took their own lives. Two people in Canada and one in Texas are dead — a stark reminder that the actions of hackers online affect real people.
The 15 year old who hacked the CIA
A teenager in Britain hacked the CIA director’s emails simply by impersonating a Verizon employee and getting the following details:
- account number
- the four-digit PIN
- the backup mobile number on the account
- the AOL email address
- last four digits on his bank card
The teen used this information to reset the director’s password and forward spreadsheets of thousands of FBI and US Department of Homeland Security employees names. Some social security numbers for uncover officers were included. A brief power struggle ensued as the director tried to regain control of his email account, only to have the 15 year old steal it back — 3 times. Yeesh.
The hacks are terrifying and destructive.
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