What Is Hacking?
Hacking is any act that gives unauthorized access to a computer system, device, or account. Traditionally, this involved manipulating code to create a digital path into the target system. But today, the term encompasses many more avenues for entry.
Ethical hackers—also called white hats—penetrate systems with permission in order to identify vulnerabilities that malicious attackers can exploit. They can then help businesses patch these weaknesses to improve security and safeguard against cyber threats.
In addition to identifying and demonstrating vulnerabilities, ethical hackers can also help companies develop a cybersecurity strategy to mitigate risk. They can even provide businesses with maturity scorecards that highlight their current state of security and suggest improvements.
Bad hackers—also called black hats—exploit the same weaknesses in computer systems to perform unauthorized activities such as stealing information or infecting devices with malware. They can be motivated by a desire for profit (corporate espionage), curiosity, excitement, or harm. They may also seek revenge on people or organizations that have wronged them.
Some of the most dangerous hackers are nation states that use their skills for political purposes. This can include stealing classified documents, interfering with elections, or promoting political unrest. Others hack for financial gain by gaining access to bank accounts or cryptocurrencies like bitcoin. Lastly, some people hack simply for the thrill of it and the feeling of accomplishment at successfully compromising security. This is sometimes referred to as “hacking for the fun of it.” Despite the negative connotations, some individuals still prefer to self-identify as hackers.