Humans vs Hackers: The Evolution of Cybercrime and How to Stay Ahead

Time to read

3 minutes

Author

Harriet Robbins
Product Manager

Date published

May 2025

In the digital world, cyber security is just as important as locking your front door. 

Harriet Robbins, Product Manager specialising in cyber security at Giacom, recently hosted an insightful webinar “Humans vs Hackers: The Ultimate Showdown” where she delved into the evolution of cybercrime, the predictable moves of hackers, and how Managed Service Providers (MSPs) can leverage Giacom’s expertise to bolster their customers’ cyber security defences. 

The Evolution of Cybercrime 

Let’s have a little history lesson! 

Cybercrime has been a problem for a long time, dating back to 1830 when two French bankers, Francois and Joseph, intercepted and manipulated French telegraph messages for financial gain (Source: RedTeam Cybersecurity Labs). This early form of cyber-attack demonstrated the potential for technology to be used for illicit means. Fast forward to 1971, the first computer virus “The Creeper Virus” was created by Bob Thomas as a research experiment. This first-of- its-kind self-replicating programme moved between computers displaying the message, “I’m the creeper: catch me if you can”. This research experiment marked the beginning of a new era in cyber threats (Source: RedTeam Cybersecurity Labs). 

The 1980s saw the emergence of “The Morris Worm”, which infected around 10% of the Internet, highlighting significant vulnerabilities in network security (Source: RedTeam Cybersecurity Labs). Then into the 1990s we started to see the Nigerian Prince scam, which led to raised awareness of email fraud (Source: Popular Science). The 2000s introduced the “ILOVEYOU” virus, causing an estimated $10 billion in damages, highlighting the importance of email security (Source: Cybersecurity Ventures). 

More recently, the WannaCry attack in the 2010s affected over 200,000 computers worldwide, including the NHS. The criminals behind this attack were successful due to outdated software and a lack of patching on Windows machines. At the same time, we saw the “Cloud Hopper” attack by the Chinese Hacker group APT 10 which targeted MSPs and their data, highlighting the risks associated with cloud services and emphasising our role in protecting our customers information (Source: Forbes). 

Looking at the present day, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a double-edged sword in cyber security. While hackers use AI to launch sophisticated attacks, defenders also leverage AI for improved threat detection and quicker response times, therefore having the right tools and attitude towards cyber security is crucial in staying ahead of threats. 

Key Takeaways from the Webinar

One key takeaway from the webinar was the significance of using strong, unique passwords, highlighting the necessity for caution and recommending the use of password management tools. Monitoring your customers’ domains on the dark web can assist in identifying breaches and prompt immediate action. 

Among other cyber concerns in today’s market, Deepfakes (content which is manipulated voice and video) pose a significant threat. Harriet advised using alternative methods to verify the authenticity of suspicious communications, such as picking up the phone if you’ve received an email. If something feels off, then it’s better to be safe than sorry and double-check. 

How we can support MSPs

Harriet explained how our collective experience and knowledge in the market can help MSPs like you protect your customers. We‘ve recently introduced a Cyber Security Framework, which supports MSPs to take cyber security to the SMB market, without overheads and extensive knowledge needed. This framework includes advice around non-negotiable tools like Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) and Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) as well as Security Awareness training services to help users shut down cyber threats early.

On a final note

The “Humans vs Hackers” webinar provided valuable insights into the evolution of cybercrime and the importance of staying vigilant. By leveraging AI, strong password practices, and our expertise, MSPs can enhance their cyber security defences and stay one step ahead of hackers. 

Ready to take the next step? 

Cyber threats aren’t slowing down and neither should your growth.  

With our framework and support, you can position your business as a leading provider, stand out from the competition, and unlock new revenue streams. 

Contact us today at [email protected].