Nobody wants to get hacked. The very concept is terrifying to many and at the least a personal violation to most.

Despite our desires, hacking happens every day. According to Cybersecurity Ventures, global cybercrime costs are expected to hit $11.5 trillion annually by the end of 2025, nearly double what they were just four years ago. The IBM Cost of a Data Breach Report 2024 found that the average cost of a data breach reached $5.3 million in 2025, up from $4.88 million in 2024. Sometimes there are no ways to completely prevent getting hacked, but there are definitely ways to make it harder.

The landscape of cyber threats has evolved dramatically since this article was first published. What started as simple password breaches has transformed into sophisticated ransomware attacks, AI-powered phishing campaigns, and supply chain compromises. Understanding how hacking works and what makes systems vulnerable is more important than ever.

The Current State of Cybercrime

In 2025, cybercrime has become one of the most widespread crimes globally. The Verizon 2025 Data Breach Investigations Report reveals that the human element was involved in about 60% of breaches in 2024 and 2025, including phishing, social engineering, credential misuse, and errors. Phishing specifically accounted for 16% of all breaches in 2025, making it the third most common attack vector after credential misuse (22%) and vulnerability exploitation (20%).

Ransomware attacks have seen a dramatic increase. Bluefire Redteam reports a 35% increase in ransomware attacks in Q1 2025 over the previous quarter, and a 55.5% year-over-year increase in the number of active ransomware groups. These aren’t isolated incidents—they’re part of a systematic threat that affects individuals and organizations worldwide.

Common Attack Vectors

Understanding how hackers gain access is the first step in protecting yourself. The most common methods include:

  • Phishing attacks: According to Hoxhunt, the total volume of phishing attacks has skyrocketed by 4,151% since the advent of ChatGPT in 2022. These attacks trick users into revealing sensitive information or clicking malicious links.
  • Credential theft: Weak or reused passwords remain a major vulnerability. Recent incidents like the 19 billion password leak demonstrate the scale of this problem.
  • Social engineering: Attackers manipulate people into breaking security procedures, often through phone calls, emails, or in-person interactions.
  • Unpatched vulnerabilities: Failing to update software leaves systems exposed to known security flaws that hackers actively exploit.
  • Insider threats: According to StationX, insufficient employee training and awareness is the largest perceived driver of insider threat activity.

How to Protect Yourself

While you can’t guarantee you’ll never be hacked, you can significantly reduce your risk:

  • Use strong, unique passwords: Consider a password manager to generate and store complex passwords. Never reuse passwords across different accounts.
  • Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): This adds an extra layer of security beyond just a password. Use authenticator apps rather than SMS when possible.
  • Keep software updated: Regularly update your operating system, applications, and security software to patch known vulnerabilities.
  • Be cautious with emails and links: Verify the sender before clicking links or downloading attachments. When in doubt, contact the organization directly through official channels.
  • Use reputable security software: Install and maintain antivirus and anti-malware solutions from trusted providers.
  • Backup your data regularly: In case of a ransomware attack or data loss, having recent backups can save you from paying ransoms or losing important information.
  • Stay informed: Read about the latest threats and security best practices. Resources like our guide to cybersecurity books can help you stay current.

The Reality of Modern Hacking

Modern hacking isn’t just about individual hackers breaking into systems. It’s become a sophisticated industry with organized crime groups, state-sponsored actors, and even AI-powered attack tools. Recent high-profile incidents like the Salesforce breach, the 16 billion password leak, and the Washington Post cyberattack show that no organization is immune.

The good news is that awareness and education are your best defenses. Understanding the threats you face and implementing basic security measures can protect you from the vast majority of attacks. For more insights into the world of cybersecurity, check out our article on the 10 most notorious hackers and how their stories shaped modern cybersecurity.

Remember: security isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being harder to hack than the next target. Make yourself a less attractive target, and you’ll significantly reduce your risk.