What is Hacking?
Hacking is exploiting vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access or control of computers, systems and networks. Hacking combines technical knowledge, problem-solving skills and creativity to bypass security measures and steal or compromise information or private data. Hackers may be motivated by financial gain, activism, espionage or simply the desire to cause damage. Malicious hackers may also use their skills to gain entry to corporate systems and steal intellectual property (such as hi-tech designs of new products or sensitive financial information) that can then be sold on the black market.
A hacker’s primary tool is computer code, which is used to build programs that can break into and manipulate computers. A skilled hacker can create complex programs that can penetrate even the most well-designed and secured cyber defenses. Early hackers were hobbyists who explored the functions of computer software and hardware to develop their knowledge and skills. Hacking is often associated with the Tech Model Railroad Club at MIT, but it was not until the 1980s that the term came to mean hacking as a form of malicious activity.
The goal of malicious hacking is to steal data or infect systems with malware and viruses. Typical tactics include stealing passwords to gain access to private accounts, defacing websites (such as a recent example where visitors to Malaysian Airlines were shown a tasteless “404 Plane Not Found” error page referencing the disappearance of flight MH370) and spreading spam or Distributed Denial of Service attacks.