What Is Hacking?
Hacking is the activity of exploring methods for breaching defenses or exploiting weaknesses in computer software and hardware systems. It is a highly sophisticated science that requires deep understanding of coding, software and hardware systems, and the ability to bypass cybersecurity protections. While popular culture depicts hackers as lone rogues, hacking is a multibillion-dollar industry that is growing in sophistication and scope.
Many hackers use their skills for evil purposes, and these are known as black hat hackers. For example, they may hack into a corporate or government network to steal information to gain a competitive advantage. Hackers can also be motivated by anger and revenge, posting personal or confidential data online to damage someone’s reputation. Young teenagers who experiment with hacking and play with web servers for fun are referred to as script kiddies, and while they may have some good intentions, their actions can lead to significant harm.
Some hacktivists use their skills for social activism, and this is referred to as blue hat hacking. For example, they can break into the websites of organizations that they oppose and send them a message by defacing their websites or launching a Distributed Denial of Service attack. Hackers can also target personal or confidential data that has been exposed by people who fail to create unique passwords for all of their Internet-connected devices. These include their computers, tablets and smartphones, but also “smart” kitchen appliances, home security cameras and even wireless Internet routers. Advanced Google search techniques called “dorking” can help hackers find information that has been accidentally shared on the Internet, including usernames and passwords to vulnerable systems.