Hacking refers to the act of gaining unauthorized access to a computer system, network, or device, with the intent to modify, steal, or destroy data, or to cause disruption to the system's normal operation. Hacking can be carried out by individuals or groups with various motives, including financial gain, political or social activism, or simply for the challenge and thrill of it.
Types of hacking
There are various types of hacking, including:
Ethical Hacking:
Also known as "penetration testing", this type of hacking involves authorized individuals or companies testing the security of their own systems to identify vulnerabilities and weaknesses that could be exploited by attackers.
Malware:
Malware refers to malicious software designed to harm a computer system or network. Types of malware include viruses, worms, Trojan horses, and ransomware.
Phishing:
Phishing is a type of social engineering attack in which attackers use emails, messages, or fake websites to trick users into providing sensitive information such as passwords, credit card details, or personal information.
Denial of Service (DoS) and Distributed Denial of Service (DoS):
These attacks involve overwhelming a computer system or network with traffic or requests, causing it to crash or become unavailable.
SQL Injection:
This type of attack involves inserting malicious code into a website's SQL database to gain access to sensitive information or to modify data.
Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) Attack: A MITM attack involves intercepting and altering communication between two parties, allowing an attacker to eavesdrop on conversations or steal sensitive information.
It's important to note that while ethical hacking can be a legitimate and valuable tool for improving cybersecurity, other forms of hacking are illegal and can have serious consequences, including legal action and imprisonment.
