What is Hacking?

Definition, Types, Identification, Safety:-

An effort to attack a computer system or a private network inside a computer is known as

hacking. Simply, it is unauthorized access to or control of computer network security systems
with the intention of committing a crime. Hacking is the process of finding some security holes in
a computer system or network in order to gain access to personal or corporate information. One
example of computer hacking is the use of a password cracking technique to gain access to a
computer system. The process of gaining illegal access to a computer system, or a group of
computer systems, is known as hacking. This is accomplished by cracking the passwords and
codes that grant access to systems. Cracking is the term used to describe the process of
obtaining a password or code. The hacker is the individual who performs the hacking. Following
are some of the things that can be hacked:
● Single systems
● Email account
● A group of systems
● LAN network
● A website
● Social media sites, etc.

Hackers

Computer hackers are unauthorized users who gain access to computers in order to steal, alter,
or delete data, generally by installing malicious software without your knowledge or agreement.
They can get access to the information you don’t want them to have thanks to their cunning
techniques and in-depth technological knowledge. Any device is connected to the Internet is at
risk from computer hackers and online predators. To distribute hazardous malware to your
computer and damage your network security, these online criminals generally use spam
messages, phishing emails or instant messages, and websites.
Types of Hackers:

To elaborate on the aforementioned hacking aims, it is vital to understand the various sorts of
hackers that exist in the cyber segment in order to distinguish between their responsibilities and
objectives. The types of hackers are:

Black Hat Hackers: These types of hackers, often known as crackers and always have a
malicious motive and gain illegal access to computer networks and websites. Their goal is to
make money by stealing secret organizational data, stealing funds from online bank accounts,
violating privacy rights to benefit criminal organizations, and so on. In today’s world, the majority
of hackers fall into this category and conduct their business in a murky manner. Black hat
hackers are nefarious individuals who aim to utilize their technical expertise to exploit and harm
others. They usually have the expertise and training to get into computer networks without the
consent of the owners, attack security holes, and circumvent security procedures. With the
malevolent goal of gaining unauthorized access to networks and systems, they attack to steal
data, spread malware causing damage to systems.
White Hat Hackers/Ethical Hackers: White hat hackers (sometimes referred to as ethical
hackers) are the polar opposites of black hat hackers. They employ their technical expertise to
defend the planet against malicious hackers. White hats are employed by businesses and
government agencies as data security analysts, researchers, security specialists, etc. White hat
hackers, with the permission of the system owner and with good motives, use the same hacking
tactics that the black hackers use. They can work as contractors, freelancers, or in-house for the
companies. They assist their customers in resolving security flaws before they are exploited by
criminal hackers.
Gray Hat Hackers: They fall somewhere between the above-mentioned types of hackers, in
that they gain illegal access to a system but do so without any malicious intent. The goal is to
expose the system’s weaknesses. Instead of exploiting vulnerabilities for unlawful gains, grey
hat hackers may offer to repair vulnerabilities they’ve identified through their own unauthorized
actions. Example: They may, for example, infiltrate your website, application without your
permission to seek vulnerabilities. They rarely, if ever, try to harm others. Grey hats do this to
obtain notoriety and reputation in the cyber security industry, which helps them further their
careers as security experts in the long run. This move, on the other hand, harms the reputation
of the organizations whose security flaws or exploits are made public.
.
What can Hackers do?
While your computer is linked to the Internet, spyware installed by a hacker silently
communicates your personal and financial information without your awareness or agreement.
The hackers can:
● Steal usernames and passwords.
● Take out a cash advance
● Steal your money and use your name to obtain credit cards and bank accounts.
● Destroy Your credit.
● Exploit your Social Security number
● Make a new account requesting Additional credit cards or personal identification
numbers (PINs)
● Misuse personal information and share it with third parties ( illegal purposes).
● Purchase something.

How to identify that your system is hacked?

If your system is hacked by some hacker then you will see the following warning signs:

● Your computer system or mobile phone or tablet start acting strangely like the password
does not work, the setting of your device is changes, the camera and microphone of your
system is activating, etc.
● The antivirus software of your system is deactivated without your information. It is the
main element to protect your system if it is off without you knowledge then it is big sign
that your system is under attack.
● Generally hackers redirect your browser or your internet traffic to some malicious
website. Then it is the sign that your system is under attack.
 ● If someone stealing money from your account without your permission.
● When some hacker gain the access of your account then the first step he/she do is to
change that password of your account. So when the password doesn’t work then this
means that someone change your account password.
● Seeing some suspicious ads or popup frequently on your system is also the part of
hacking.

How to Safeguard us from the Hackers?

Hacking is a chronic problem that jeopardizes a nation’s and its residents’ security. Individually,
it can result in incalculable economic losses, even wiping out a person’s financial savings. At the
organizational level, it has resulted in data theft, resulting in significant financial losses and
long-term consequences. To stop this terrible threat, protections must be put in place at the
correct moment and at all levels. So to protect ourselves from hackers always remember the
following points:

● Always keep your system updated because hackers always look for holes in security to
attack. So, updating the operating system and software will prevent the user from getting
hacked.
● Always set unique and strong passwords for different accounts never use the same
passwords for the same accounts because it is easy to hack.
● While using websites always look for HTTPS encryption. It ensure that the connection is
secure.
● Use Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) as a type of point-to-point communication that
allows business networks to connect to offsite and remote sites. VPN services, such as
ExpressVPN, encrypt the sending and receiving IP addresses, preventing unauthorized
access.
● Only download software from reputable sources. Before downloading free software or
file-sharing applications, give them a thorough examination.
● Make use of a two-way firewall.
● Stay away from dubious websites.
● Increase the security settings of your browser.
● Always install antivirus software

Payel Paria
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