What Is Hacking?
Hacking is not just one thing, it’s a term that can be used to describe anything you do to get access to a computer system, network, device or account. Traditionally, it meant pushing technology to the limit for fun but now it can be anything from tricking people into giving you their passwords (social engineering) to very technical methods like exploiting a bug or finding a digital hole.
White hat hackers, also known as ethical hackers, find flaws and weaknesses in computer systems and software to help strengthen security. They often work with businesses to help prevent breaches and data leaks. Black hat hackers, on the other hand, have malevolent intentions. They may find vulnerabilities for financial gain or to steal information, or they can be state-sponsored hackers working with a government to spy on adversaries or cause chaos.
Grey hat hackers fall somewhere in between. They look for flaws in systems to alert the builders of those systems of them, much as you might tell your neighbor about a dirt hole in your yard. They might also hack into systems for fun or to learn new skills. Script kiddies are low-skill hackers who use pre-made hacking tools to conduct attacks but lack the understanding of how those programs really work.
Many hacking attempts are prevented by keeping software and devices up to date and by providing regular employee training on how to identify phishing emails, social engineering techniques and other common hacking tactics. It’s also important to backup data regularly and keep it in a secure location away from the main system, in case of a breach.