Unsophisticated Hackers A Critical Threat, US Government Warns

In a stark warning, two major U.S. security agencies, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), have issued a strongly worded alert urging organizations to take immediate action against a threat from what they refer to as "unsophisticated hackers." But what exactly is an unsophisticated hacker, and why are these agencies sounding the alarm?

As I reflect on my own history as a hacker, dating back to the late 1980s, it's clear that the term "hacker" has become increasingly misused in popular culture. While some people might view hacking as a malicious activity, I can assure you that this is not always the case. A hacker is simply someone who uses their skills to find ways to do something that wasn't intended by the programmer or engineer. In my own experiences, I've discovered numerous backdoors and entry points into software systems over the years, only to have them closed off as a result of my own work.

However, according to CISA and FBI, the hackers being targeted in their alert are not necessarily sophisticated actors using advanced techniques. Rather, they are individuals employing "basic and elementary intrusion techniques" in their attacks. This description doesn't quite fit my own self-description as a hacker – I'm more of a clever and resourceful individual who prefers to rely on my own skills rather than downloading pre-existing scripts from elsewhere.

So what's being targeted by these unsophisticated hackers? In short, energy and transportation systems. According to the joint CISA-FBI advisory published May 6, hackers are targeting operational technology (OT) in critical infrastructure sectors such as oil and natural gas, specifically in energy and transportation systems. These attacks often exploit poor cyber hygiene and exposed assets, leading to significant consequences such as defacement, configuration changes, operational disruptions, and even physical damage.

As a result of these threats, CISA is urging anyone who owns or operates critical infrastructure assets to review the agency's detailed guidance on reducing the risk associated with these types of attacks. This advice applies whether the hackers involved are sophisticated or not – it seems that the agencies recognize that even unsophisticated hackers can pose a significant threat when given the opportunity.

In conclusion, while the term "unsophisticated hacker" might seem like a oxymoron, it's clear that CISA and FBI are taking this threat seriously. As we move forward in an increasingly complex and interconnected world, it's essential that organizations prioritize their cybersecurity posture – whether they're dealing with sophisticated threats or basic ones.