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Hacking involves bypassing security measures to gain unauthorized access to information or systems. Cyber criminals use this privileged entry to steal data, wreak havoc and spread viruses or malware. Individuals and organizations can mitigate the effects of hackers by strengthening their cyber security measures.

AMU offers an online Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Security that helps students develop skills to prevent hacking. The curriculum includes coursework in networking, programming, operating systems and security architecture. The program also emphasizes ethics and professional conduct, including respect for privacy, avoiding unnecessary disruption to systems and following industry best practices.

Early depictions of hackers in film and TV often portrayed precocious teens breaching major companies’ systems for notoriety or financial gain. While those stereotypes have some validity, many modern hackers are people of any age or demographic who have advanced technical knowledge and problem-solving skills. They are motivated by financial gain, information extraction or political activism.

The most effective way to reduce vulnerability to hacking is to regularly update software, which can address many known vulnerabilities. In addition, it is essential to keep data backups secure in case of a cyberattack or system outage.

In a more ethical vein, professionals may hack into their employer’s systems to identify vulnerabilities and provide recommendations for improving security measures. These individuals are referred to as gray-hat hackers. They operate in a moral gray area, and they often offer to fix these vulnerabilities in return for payment or a job. However, they also risk accidentally tipping off malicious actors to new attack vectors.