Why Do Hackers Use Bitcoin? And Other Cybersecurity Questions Answered

Computer technology is an ever-changing field where today’s hottest innovation is tomorrow’s doorstop. When it comes to keeping up with cybersecurity, the pace is even faster. In the cybersecurity world, it’s not just technology that experts have to keep up with. It’s also the hackers who are trying to break into these machines.

Here are some facts and trivia tidbits about cybersecurity to inspire you to learn more about cybersecurity and the education it takes it be one of those who keep people on the internet safe.

Why do Hackers Use Bitcoin?

Bitcoin is a digital currency that can be transferred from one person to another without the use of a bank. Because it’s unsecured it could easily be lost or stolen and is not insured by any government bodies. You might have heard about bitcoin because of the WannaCry ransomware. Victims would load their computers to find a screen telling them their files have been encrypted and would only be released if they sent the hackers a certain amount of money in bitcoin.

Hackers like to use bitcoin because of its anonymity. Converting your money to bitcoin, sending, and receiving it doesn’t even require the use of a legal name or address. When it comes to a method of acquiring untraceable funds, it’s a criminal’s dream come true.

What are Ethical Hackers?

You might think of hackers as the baddies who break into systems, you’d be right. But hackers, ethical ones, can be hired to do just that for a company who needs their security measures tested. A company might hire an ethical hacker to attempt to break into their system and, in the process, expose vulnerabilities that the bad hackers might exploit. An ethical hacker helps a company become safer.

It sounds contradictory, but hacking can sometimes be helpful. Hackers are sometimes classed through a hypothetical hat color. Black hats are the baddies who break in without permission and steal money or information. White hats are the ethical hackers who are hired by companies to help protect their data.

How Can I Create a Strong Password?

Password protection is a very hot topic as accounts can be compromised through easily guessed passwords. You might think an easily guessed password is something like “Password123”. But it can also be something like “Pa55w0rd123!”. There are a lot of different theories and ideas on how to build strong passwords (and remember them). There are also password generators for those who really want to keep their passwords secure.

How Do I Know if Cybersecurity is Right for Me?

If you’re waiting for the clouds to part, birds to sing, and the words, “You should study cybersecurity” to waft past you in the breeze, you might want to rethink your strategy. There are many great reasons to study cybersecurity and all of them are unique to the individual.

Some might include wanting to help people, loving the challenge of keeping hackers at bay, or enjoying working with cutting edge technology. Whatever your reasons are, if you’re considering cybersecurity, now is a great time to learn more about the field and see if this is truly where you belong.

Are you ready to take the next step and see if cybersecurity is right for you? If you want to earn a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer and Information Science with a Major in Cyber and Network Security - Cybersecurity Track, consider ECPI University for the education you’ll need to make a difference in the field. For more information, speak to a friendly admissions advisor today.

It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!

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