A Career in Hacking
Hacking is the act of gaining unauthorized access to computer systems, networks and other devices. It requires advanced technical knowledge and the ability to manipulate software in ways its developers did not intend. Often hackers exploit vulnerabilities to steal information or cause other harm. They can also use their skills to improve security. Ethical hackers have become a force for good on the internet, helping to make it safer for everyone. But a career in hacking requires mastery of many different subjects, including learning the complexities of web technologies and the nuances of the various security protocols that hackers must be familiar with.
Some hackers hack to gain insider knowledge of businesses and government agencies. Such information can help competitors get a leg up or expose political or corporate wrongdoing. Other hackers hack out of the pure excitement and achievement of successfully breaching a difficult target. And some hackers, known as “hacktivists,” hack for social or political activism, with the loose collective Anonymous well-known for its high-profile attacks on government and corporate targets.
In popular culture, hackers are often depicted as hooded figures typing in the dark with malicious intent. But the reality is that hackers can be good or bad, depending on their motivation and their goals. Hackers can be skilled researchers who are interested in discovering and exploiting vulnerabilities to make the web a safer place for all. Other hackers are black hats who use their skills to commit cybercrimes for financial gain or disruption. And some are state-sponsored and work with the government to spy on adversaries, disrupt critical infrastructure or spread misinformation.