CPP's controlled 'classroom' experiment revealed people can learn how to hack into someone’s account in less than 15 minutes. CPP conducted research to find out how extensive hacking is and the risks to posed to people’s identities. Find out more...

1. Extent of Online Hacker Tutorial Revealed
CPP’s investigation found people can learn how to hack into
someone’s account in less than 15 minutes. Find out more..

2. Extent of Online Hacker Tutorial Revealed
CPPGroup Plc recently carried out a controlled
‘classroom’ experiment in which five volunteers,
with limited technological knowledge, followed a
14-minute classroom-style tutorial which is freely
available online.
The technique taught in the live session, known as
‘man in the middle’ technique, was used to hack
into a computer network and each obtain other’s
login details*.
Following the tutorial CPP’s volunteers - including
a TV producer, a self-employed baker and a retiree
– were able to download hacking software which
allowed them to access login details and
passwords for e-mail accounts, social networking
sites and online shopping accounts within a matter
of minutes.
*Please note our panel signed a disclaimer saying they would not use the information
for illegal or malicious attacks

3. Extent of Online Hacker Tutorial Revealed
Our supporting research* revealed:
• Over seven million people have had their online password-protected
information accessed without their permission
• Of these nearly a quarter (24%) claim to have had their personal e-mails
accessed
• 65 per cent of people are concerned about their password protected
information being accessed
• Online hacking tutorials are widely known about, with almost a fifth (17%) of
people aware of their existence
• 63% of people think ‘hacking’ tutorials should be removed from the internet
* ICM interviewed a random sample of 2005 adults aged 18+ online between 19 – 20 April
2011. Surveys were conducted across the country and the results have been weighted to the
profile of all adults. ICM is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules.

4. Extent of Online Hacker Tutorial Revealed
CPP’s top tips on protecting your information from hackers:
1. Change your passwords regularly - the longer and more obscure, the
better
2. Leave a website if you notice strange behaviour (unknown
certificates, pop-ups etc.)
3. Avoid transmitting sensitive data over public (free or otherwise) Wi-Fi
4. When seeking Wi-Fi connections: know who you are connecting to,
be wary of free Wi-Fi access
5. If using a smartphone: disable Wi-Fi ‘auto-connect’
6. If you are concerned about identity fraud, consider purchasing an
identity fraud protection product to help you detect, prevent and
resolve any incidence of the fraud

5. Extent of Online Hacker Tutorial Revealed
The Golden Rule is that unless you know your connection is secure, do
not communicate any information or data that you wouldn’t feel
comfortable shouting across a crowded room.

6. Extent of Online Hacker Tutorial Revealed
Robert Chapman, CEO of Firebrandtraining.co.uk, who CPP
commissioned to carry out the tutorial said:
“The wide availability of free hacking tools is a real concern, and
everyone is a target. These resources are only going to grow and
become more advanced, meaning that organisations and individuals
must take steps to protect themselves.
It’s imperative to keep anti-virus and firewall software up to date and
change passwords to online accounts regularly. Also use common sense
– if security warning messages appear in your browser, don’t ignore
them as this could be an indicator that your network has been hacked.
We demonstrated how a very basic way of hacking could be used to
steal millions of pounds from the unprepared.”

7. Extent of Online Hacker Tutorial Revealed
Visit our website for more information on
identity fraud,
or our blog
blog.cpp.co.uk