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Hacking is when a person gains unauthorized access to computer systems, devices, accounts, or networks. It’s an act that can take on a variety of forms and be perpetrated for a variety of reasons, including installing malware, stealing or destroying data, or disrupting service. Hackers can target any type of device, including personal computers and mobile devices like smartphones or tablets, Internet of Things (IoT) devices such as security cameras and smart appliances, and even medical devices.

The term hacker was once used as a neutral term for people who were passionate about pushing technology to its limits, but it’s now almost exclusively used to describe malicious hackers. However, a person can also use the same methods as malicious hackers with consent from a device, network, or account owner to reveal system vulnerabilities—this is known as ethical hacking.

Ethical hackers are cybersecurity professionals trained to breach defenses in order to identify and secure vulnerabilities. They operate under strict authorization and then provide their clients with a maturity scorecard highlighting their risk and vulnerabilities along with recommendations for improvement. The skills required for an ethical hacker include strong knowledge of network architectures, programming languages, and operating systems, as well as a good understanding of cybersecurity principles. In addition, they must be able to follow the highest standards of professionalism—including respect for the privacy of individuals and companies’ information—and maintain transparency with their clients throughout the testing process.