Mr. Robot is one of the most intriguing and interesting TV shows of the moment. Already in its second season, this television series sheds light on many dangers that we face in today’s digital environment. Businesses can learn a lot from this show.
The plot is simple: a group of hacktivists, similar to what we know as Anonymous, tries to break down a malicious corporation using their technological know-how. Elliot, the main character, is employed by a cybersecurity company that works with this multinational corporation.
The show teaches us a lot of things that we can apply to our everyday internet use to further protect our businesses. This information can help keep us away from the cybercriminals who can easily access our data like the attackers in the TV series. These are some of the lessons Mr. Robot taught us in season one.
Watch out! Although we won’t expose every detail, we are about to reveal part of the show’s plot below…
Invest in Cybersecurity
After Elliot ends up in the hospital from a certain incident, we discover that he actually chose that hospital in specific because they have a one-man technical department with an inadequate budget. The lack of security makes hacking into the data base and altering records a piece of cake for Elliot. This is something that could possibly happen if businesses do not invest in security personnel and do not update their software.
Don’t Let them Cheat You
Be careful with social engineering. In one of the first episodes, we see how Elliot pretends to be an employee at a bank’s antifraud department in order to get information about his objectives whether it is their favorite team or the name of their dog; information that he uses afterwards to perform a brute force attack using a password dictionary to get the correct password. We won’t spoil the ending, but we will say that it was fairly simple to get the “private” information.
Use Secure Passwords
A drug trafficker with a horrible history behind them should be a little more careful choosing passwords. For Elliot, it was tremendously simple to guess the password, and with his special hacking powers, he was able to find out what illicit business the criminal was up to.
Keep Programs Updated
Elliot was able to hack into Tyrell Wellick’s emails after discovering the system was not updated and was infected with Shellshock. What we are certain of is that Wellick, the aspiring CTO (head of the IT department) of the malignant corporation, has made it his goal to destroy Mr. Robot, but he realizes this and destroys all of the equipment. In the real world, unfortunately, there are many businesses that do patch their vulnerable systems, so they are exposed to similar attacks.
Don’t Use Public Networks
While monitoring all traffic on the cafeteria’s Wi-Fi network, Elliot discovers some murky details about his boss’s personal life, who later ends up detained because he was caught managing a child pornography website. But the truth is, everyone needs to be careful while connected to public Wi-Fi networks, not just those who have something to hide. Staying off public Wi-Fi networks can save you, especially if you need to enter sensitive information. If you must, at least do it through a VPN.
Thanks Mr. Robot!
Panda Security specializes in the development of endpoint security products and is part of the WatchGuard portfolio of IT security solutions. Initially focused on the development of antivirus software, the company has since expanded its line of business to advanced cyber-security services with technology for preventing cyber-crime.
