How to Become a Hacker
Hacking is when a person gains unauthorized access to computer systems or networks. They gain access by exploiting flaws or weaknesses in software, hardware, or systems that are poorly protected or secured. Hackers can use their skills for good (called white hat hackers) or for bad (black hat hackers). Some hackers are affiliated with organized crime and others work on behalf of nation states.
Hackers are often motivated by financial gain. They can steal your passwords, credit card information, or personal data and then sell it on the dark web. They can also install bots that control your computer and use it to send spam, or launch Distributed Denial of Service attacks against companies and government institutions.
Often, a hacker will first learn how to hack by messing around with a system and finding out how it works. For example, if the password check system on a database has an easy-to-overlook bug that allows a hacker to enter a long, fake email address, they can then gain access to the entire database.
To become a hacker, it’s helpful to have an understanding of programming languages and how computers operate. Especially important is learning how to code in PHP, which is an incredibly popular language for web applications. Other useful knowledge includes knowing how to do advanced Google searches to find information that’s been accidentally shared on the internet, like usernames and passwords for public services or databases, or vulnerable software.