In August 2024, the FBI issued a notice indicating that an Iranian-backed team was engaged in attempting to hack American political parties’ campaign information. Additionally, the Trump campaign disclosed that it had also fallen victim to hacking during the same month. Subsequently, Google revealed that these cyber-attacks were part of a larger operation aimed at interfering in the American presidential election.
The evolution of hacking has seen various stages of development over the years. What began as a mere prank in the 1980s transitioned into low-level criminal activity by the 1990s, exploiting the growing network for scams and identity theft. The late 1990s and early 2000s witnessed the rise of organized crime as Internet-based commerce became more prevalent. State-backed hacking teams then emerged, laying the groundwork for cyber interference and digital warfare.
Despite these newer threats, older challenges have not diminished. In July 2024, a massive cyber outage occurred due to a faulty security update released by CrowdStrike, underscoring the continued risks posed by technological vulnerabilities.
To combat network-based hacking, organizations have increasingly turned to the practice of “air gapping.” This method involves disconnecting systems from the Internet to prevent remote access. By creating a private network that only allows communication between designated systems, the risk of external intrusion is significantly reduced.
Air gapped systems are immune to remote hacking attempts, as physical access is required for any breach. Utilizing methods like “rafting” and “bridging,” organizations can transfer data securely between air gapped systems while minimizing the risk of contamination by malware. These practices ensure that critical information remains protected from cyber threats.
The concept of air gapping extends beyond large organizations to encompass smaller systems as well. Grocery store cash registers and self-serve gas stations are cited as examples where air gapping, coupled with bridging for essential transactions, can enhance security without sacrificing functionality.
Voting systems, in particular, stand to benefit from air gapping by eliminating the possibility of remote hacking and safeguarding the integrity of elections. The perceived security provided by air gapped systems adds an additional layer of protection against potential threats.
While interconnected systems offer convenience and efficiency, the importance of implementing proper security measures cannot be understated. The use of air gapping demonstrates that limiting connections to the Internet can often result in heightened security and protection against cyber threats.
In conclusion, the evolution of hacking highlights the ongoing need for vigilance and proactive measures to safeguard sensitive information. By embracing strategies like air gapping and judiciously managing network connections, organizations can enhance their cybersecurity posture and mitigate the risks posed by malicious actors in the digital landscape.