What Is Hacking?
Hacking is the process of gaining unauthorized access to another person’s computer system. It can include stealing data, or disrupting services.
Hackers use techniques that bypass normal security procedures. This can allow them to infiltrate a user’s device and install malware, or even hold the system hostage for ransom. In some cases, hackers may impersonate co-workers to gain access.
In the early days of the internet, hackers used phreaking to get around the telephone network. They would make free long-distance calls. This gave them a chance to exploit the operational characteristics of the telephone switching network.
Throughout the years, hackers have been responsible for high-profile cybercrimes. These attacks have affected corporations, government agencies, and individuals. Some of the most well-known victims include Microsoft, eBay, Amazon, Yahoo!, and WikiLeaks.
While many of these attacks are malicious, there are also hackers who are purely socially motivated. For example, Hacktivist groups like Anonymous, LulzSec, and WikiLeaks seek to publicize problems and focus public attention on them.
Ethical hackers, sometimes referred to as white hat hackers, are people who want to improve the security of their systems. They identify and report vulnerabilities to their organizations and hardware vendors. They do this to protect the privacy of hacked users and organizations.
A few of the most prominent threats today are the zombie computer and the bot. Both refer to a compromised computer system that can be used to send spam or sell information. The former can be created after a victim executes a code. The latter can be created by linking two computers together.