What Is Hacking?
Hacking is a term used to describe the process of breaching computer systems without authorization. Hackers gain access by exploiting vulnerabilities in computer software and hardware. They can then use this access to steal sensitive information and disrupt operations. They often conceal their activities by deleting logs, obscuring processes, and creating rootkits to maintain persistence in the system.
Hackers can be motivated by a sense of accomplishment, recognition, or competition. They may be inspired by the thrill of breaking into a system and demonstrating their skills on social media. In addition, hackers can be rewarded with money by selling stolen information to criminal organizations and corporations.
The term hacking first became associated with members of MIT’s Tech Model Railroad Club, who would ‘hack’ their high-tech train sets to modify their functions. These early hackers were experimenting with computer software to discover flaws in its design. A hacker finds a vulnerability in software by using ‘input’ to cause the computer to execute code it was never designed to accept. This is known as a buffer overflow. The hacker takes advantage of this flaw by hijacking the return address and returning a large chunk of data to a location in memory he controls.
While hackers can be malicious, many are not. Often, they are referred to as white hat hackers, as they are focused on enhancing security instead of causing harm. These professionals are a valuable asset to businesses as they can test and strengthen the company’s security posture. They can also help organisations comply with industry regulations and standards. Those who choose to pursue this career path should consider pursuing certifications like Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) and CompTIA PenTest+.