You might use the same password for every account, however experts say that this is one easy way for your server to be hacked.

The University of Georgia’s Special Collections Library is hosting lectures this week as a part of Ethical Culture Week. Today, experts explained “The Mind of a Hacker.”

According to security analyst Laura Heilman, a hacker hacks or gains unauthorized access to data.

Heilman says that there are three types of hackers: white, grey, and black. According to Heilman, the following are qualities of each type of hacker or “hat:”

White hats have scheduled, documented hacks to prevent grey and black hackers from getting into servers. According to expert Andrew Sullivan, consent from system administrators is the main factor in a hat being considered white.

Grey hats are neutral. Some of their work is beneficial to servers, while some of their work is negative.

Black hats are considered to be negative agents. Their work is not beneficial to the server and can cost a lot of damage to a server or company. 

Expert Andrew Sullivan says that hackers look for weaknesses or easy targets when hacking computer data, but sometimes it is harder than hackers hope.

“If there’s not a weakness, they can’t take advantage of it.” However, Sullivan says there is always some way to get in.

“When I tell the system administrators [their server] is okay… of the known vulnerabilities it’s as patched as it can be.”

This doesn’t mean that the server is completely secure. Of the known security measures, the server is as secure as it can be.

There are many ways to prevent hackers from getting into your system.

Laura Heilman says that “the people that don’t change the default names or passwords are the most vulnerable.”

Both experts emphasized the importance of updating. Update your software frequently in order to keep your security as up to date as possible.

The next lecture will be held at the Special Collections Library Wednesday at 11am.

According to the United States Department of Justice, Leonid Momotok of Suwanee, Georgia pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud for his role in an international scheme.

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By: Annie Wimbush