Hacking refers to the act of compromising digital devices and networks through unauthorized access to an account or computer system. It involves exploring methods for breaching defenses and exploiting weaknesses in a computer system or network. Hacking is not always a malicious act, but it is most commonly associated with illegal activity and data theft by cyber criminals. The term "hacker" refers to an individual skilled in computer systems and information technology who applies their technical knowledge to overcome security barriers within a system by non-standard and often malicious techniques.
Hacking in cyber security refers to the misuse of devices like computers, smartphones, tablets, and networks to cause damage to or corrupt systems, gather information on users, steal data and documents, or disrupt data-related activity. Hackers can include someone who endeavors to strengthen security mechanisms by exploring their weaknesses and also those who seek to access secure, unauthorized information despite security measures.
Hacking techniques include social engineering, malvertising, and exploiting vulnerabilities in computer systems and networks. The motivations behind hacking can vary, including financial gain, power, and ego. While hacking these days has a mostly negative connotation, in the early days of computer hacking, hackers were seen as technology experts whose main motivation was to customize and optimize.
