The financial path of a cyber-attacker (infographic)

16 Apr 2015

We’re constantly warned of evil hackers, scouring the web for our personal details, then profiting from our poor defences. But how do they actually earn a living from this?

Symantec’s report on cyberattacks in 2014, which was earlier this week, explained in pretty emphatic terms just how big a problem hacking is becoming.

Hackers are evolving, growing more and more capable; they’re now making you do all the leg work.

But when you hear of zero-day vulnerabilities, mobile malware intrusions and major security breaches, it’s hard to understand the what and, more importantly, the why.

Well Symantec’s handy infographic offers a nice synopsis of the route a hacker takes towards profit. From learning skills and maximising their talents, to researching the cyber black market.

For example, did you know there’s a going rate for your email address?

Money hoarded in the cloud image, via Shutterstock

Gordon Hunt was a journalist with Silicon Republic

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