What Is Hacking?
Hacking is an activity where a computer is accessed and its functions are modified by non-standard methods. Although the term has negative connotations and associations with cyber crime, it can be used for ethical purposes. Ethical hacking is a process where an information security expert breaks into systems to identify vulnerabilities and report them to the owner so they can take preventive measures. It is also known as White Hat hacking.
Hackers are motivated by a number of reasons, ranging from criminal financial gain to street cred and burnishing their hacker reputation within the hacker subculture. There are also corporate espionage hackers who seek to steal confidential information on a competitor’s products or services. Lastly, there are hackers who aim to make money by stealing passwords and personal information or by defrauding banking systems and extorting ransom payments from victims.
A common method of hacking is via the use of malware or spyware which is installed on a victim’s device. These programs tamper with the operating system of a computer and can then transmit data to a remote server. This allows the hacker to view and control the victim’s device remotely.
Other forms of hacking include phishing which involves sending a fake link to the victim asking them to log in to resolve an urgent issue. Once the victim clicks on the link and enters their credentials, the hacker gains access to the system and may even steal personal information. This is the most dangerous form of hacking.