Businesses of all sizes face a daily risk of falling prey to hacking which could result in loss of important data and disruption to information systems.

As part of its drive to raise awareness of these risks, the local Chapter of ISACA – formerly known as the Information Systems Audit and Control Association – held an educational session for its members themed Compromised! How hackers gain access to your systems and steal your data.

Information security practitioner Ian Attard showed various methods used by hackers to penetrate IT systems and explained how client-facing offices, customer billing, accounts, and purchasing software were at risk.

A demonstration illustrated how hackers cover their tracks, locally and from overseas. While hackers only ‘poke and peep’, crackers steal data, leaving backdoors through which they may enter many times and with less effort.

“Industry best practices are available to help reduce risks of breaches and enhance chances of detection,” ISACA Malta Chapter president Vladimiro Comodini said. “This is a shifting landscape – IT assurance managers, risk managers, information security managers and boards who take IT governance seriously can act and play safe.”

The organisation holds monthly educational sessions on issues related to information security and IT governance. Its next event is planned for February 27.