What is Hacking? Definition, History, Types & Protection

Is it possible to protect yourself from computer hacking? The short answer is yes. It's estimated that 74% of cybersecurity breaches are caused by human error - which means the majority of breaches could have been prevented by taking appropriate precautions and with better knowledge of how hacking works. That's where we come in.

What is hacking?

Hacking refers to the practice of gaining unauthorized access to a computer system or network in order to disrupt operations or steal information. Hackers are good at problem-solving, have advanced technical skills, and the creativity to manipulate software or hardware in ways not originally intended by the developers.

The term "hacking" was first coined in the 1960s, and was used to describe the process of tinkering with computers and software to improve their performance. Over time technology advanced and became more interconnected, and hacking developed along with it.

Ethical vs malicious hacking

Despite the widespread negative connotations associated with hackers, there is such a thing as ethical hacking. This is when hacking attempts are planned and authorized in order to test a computer's security systems, and identify any vulnerabilities that malicious hackers could attempt to exploit.

The history of hacking

1960s

In the 1960s computer enthusiasts at universities and research institutions were among the first to explore the capabilities and limitations of computer systems. MIT is often credited as the first place where "hacking" was used to describe manipulating systems in this way.

1970s

The advent of computer networking in the 1970s was a significant development. Early iterations of the internet introduced the possibility of remote access and communication between computers. This connectivity opened new avenues for hackers to explore, leading to the first instances of hackers gaining unauthorized access to computer systems.

1980s

The 1980s saw the emergence of hacking as more of a subculture, with groups like the Chaos Computer Club, Europe's largest association of hackers, founded in 1981. This was when cybercrimes started being committed, as hackers began exploiting vulnerabilities for personal gain or disruption.

1990s

With the rapid expansion of the Internet from the 1990s onwards, hacking continued to evolve. Cybercriminals developed more sophisticated techniques - as well as individuals, governments, businesses and public services all became targets for attacks, and big data breaches began making headline news. Nowadays, with the advancement of cybersecurity and the Internet of Things (IoT), there are simultaneously more opportunities for hackers and stronger defenses keeping them out.

Types of hackers

Here is a breakdown of some of the different types of hacking.

White hat hackers

White hat hackers are the previously-mentioned ethical hackers. They're people who have learned how to hack computers, and go on to use their skills for good. White hats are often employed by organizations to improve their security systems. They can do this by identifying and fixing vulnerabilities before malicious hackers have the chance to exploit them.

Black hat hackers

If white hat hackers are the heroes, black hat hackers are the bad guys. These are the people who will use hacking for personal gain; stealing data, committing financial fraud, and generally causing disruption. Their activities are illegal and unethical, often resulting in significant damage to individuals, organizations, and even entire nations.

Gray hat hackers

Gray hat hackers fall somewhere between white and black hat hackers. They may exploit vulnerabilities without permission, but not with malicious intent. Often these highly skilled individuals will experiment with hacking to further their own knowledge, and they may inform the affected organizations of the vulnerabilities they find. They might even request a fee in return for fixing them. While they can be helpful, grey hats still technically operate outside legal and ethical boundaries.

Tools used in hacking

Hackers use a variety of techniques to carry out their activities and have a wide range of tools at their disposal. These tools can range from simple scripts to sophisticated software designed to exploit specific vulnerabilities. Here are some common hacking tools:

• Malware - short for malicious software, malware is the term used to describe harmful programs such as viruses, worms, trojans, ransomware, and spyware.
• Phishing kits - these are pre-packaged sets of tools used to create fake websites or emails. These are designed to trick individuals into providing sensitive information, such as login credentials or financial data.
• Exploit kits - hackers use these kits to automate the process of finding and exploiting weaknesses in systems; they contain multiple methods for taking advantage of vulnerabilities in software.
• Packet analyzers - tools that capture and analyze data traveling over a network. Hackers use them to intercept sensitive information transmitted over unsecured networks, such as public Wi-Fi.
• Keyloggers - these programs record keystrokes on a victim's device; everything that they type is sent to the hacker, serving them passwords and other personal information on a platter.
• Rootkits - this software is designed to hide the presence of malicious programs on a system. They provide hackers with well-sustained unauthorized access by concealing their activities from system administrators and poor system security measures.
• Password cracking tools - this term covers the various techniques a hacker can employ to gain access to password-protected systems and accounts.

Potential risks and damage caused by hacking

We've already established the fact that hacks can be costly. Cybercrime is predicted to cost the world $9.5 trillion in 2024 alone, a number that's expected to grow by 15% per year over the next two years. These numbers can be hard for an individual to comprehend, and that's only one aspect of the damage hacking can cause.

The potential consequences of hacking include:

Data breaches

Data breaches occur when hackers gain unauthorized access to sensitive information, such as personal data, financial records, or intellectual property. The stolen data can then be used for fraud, theft, or sold on to other criminals. High-profile data breaches at large companies and brands have affected millions of individuals and resulted in substantial financial and reputational damage.

Financial loss

As previously mentioned, hacking can lead to significant financial losses for both individuals and organizations. Cybercriminals can steal money directly from bank accounts, demand ransom payments in return for stolen information, or disrupt business operations, leading to lost revenue.

Operational disruption

Cyberattacks can sabotage the normal operations of businesses, governments, and critical infrastructure such as hospitals and schools. At best, attacks could result in a loss of productivity - at worst, attacks could prevent people from accessing crucial healthcare.

Reputational damage

Organizations that fall victim to hacking often suffer reputational damage. This is unfortunate but understandable - you can't expect people to have trust their personal information to businesses that can't protect their own. The negative publicity and loss of consumer confidence can have a long-lasting impact on a business, and may be impossible to recover from.

Legal consequences

To add insult to injury, hacking incidents can lead to legal and regulatory consequences for affected organizations. Data protection laws, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the European Union, impose strict requirements on the handling and protection of personal data. Organizations that fail to comply with these regulations can expect to face substantial fines and legal action, on top of the difficulties caused to their business by the attack itself.

Threats to national security

Political hackers targeting critical infrastructure, government agencies, or defense systems pose significant national security threats. Cyber espionage, sabotage, and warfare can have far-reaching geopolitical consequences.

What devices are the most vulnerable to hacking?

Anything that connects to the internet has the potential to be hacked, but there are certain devices that are more likely to be targeted due to their inherent vulnerabilities, or the sensitive information they contain. These include:

Computers and laptops

Personal computers are prime targets for hackers. Think of your own laptop or computer - over the course of a single day you might use it for work, to store personal information or for online banking. If someone was monitoring your device, how much of a glimpse into your personal life would they see? Operating system vulnerabilities, outdated software, and user behavior (e.g., clicking on malicious links) can expose devices to malware, ransomware, and unauthorized access. No wonder more and more people are choosing to cover their webcam cameras when not in use.

Smartphones and tablets

Smart devices are increasingly used for a wide range of activities, from banking to communication. Similarly to laptops and computers, their connectivity and the vast amount of personal information they hold make them attractive targets for hackers. Mobile-specific malware, phishing attacks, and insecure apps are common threats. Even Apple and Mac products, widely believed to be impossible to hack, can be broken into with the right tools.

Routers

Routers and other network devices are essential for Internet connectivity but are often overlooked when it comes to security - for a hacker, gaining access to a router could give them the key to unlock any device connected to it. Default passwords, outdated firmware, and misconfigurations can make these devices vulnerable to attacks.

IoT devices

IoT devices, such as smart home appliances, security cameras, and wearable technology, are notoriously unsecure. Many IoT devices lack robust security features, making them easy targets for hackers - and, unfortunately, compromised devices can be used to gain access to larger networks.

Servers and cloud services

Servers and cloud services host critical data for businesses and individuals alike. Weak access controls and unpatched vulnerabilities can leave these systems exposed, making them prime targets for hackers. Data breaches such as these can have significant consequences, and can take a long time to repair.

Why do hackers hack?

There are lots of reasons why someone might decide to hack a person or organization. Some common reasons why hackers hack include:

• Financial gain - Financial gain is the primary motivation for many hackers. Stealing credit card information, bank account credentials, and personal data to commit fraud or sell on the dark web can help a hacker improve their own financial situation - this drive is greater than any sympathy they may have for the victims of their actions. Ransomware attacks, where hackers demand payment in exchange for restoring access to encrypted data, are also driven by financial incentives
• Political or ideological beliefs - Hacktivists and nation-state hackers often hack to advance political or ideological agendas. Hacktivists may target governments, corporations, or organizations that they take issue with. These attacks can range from relatively harmless protests to international espionage.
• Thrills, infamy or intellectual curiosity - Some hackers do it simply for the thrill, or for the boost to their reputation within the hacker community. These individuals, are often referred to as thrill-seekers or script kiddies, and may even hack simply to hone their skills or to satisfy intellectual curiosity.
• Revenge - It isn't uncommon for hackers to have personal vendettas, and to try to gain entry to an individual or organization's data in return for having been slighted by them in the past.

Our tips for preventing hacking

The threat of hacking is present every time you access the internet, and hackers are constantly developing new ways to gain access to your information. However as the hackers develop, so do the means at our disposal for stopping them. As cybersecurity experts, we at SUPERAntiSpyware have a list of recommended actions you carry out so that you can continue to use the internet safely.

Use strong passwords and keep them safe

Avoid choosing passwords made up of easily guessable information, such as names, birthdates - or anything else that could be easily deduced from your social media profiles. Many people choose to use password managers to generate and store complex passwords securely.

Enable two-factor authentication (2FA)

Enable 2FA wherever possible. 2FA adds an extra layer of security to an account by requiring a second form of verification, such as a text message code or authentication app, in addition to your regular password. It also notifies you to any attempts to access your account that you may not be aware of.

Keep your software updated

Regularly update your operating systems, software, and applications. These updates provide patches to any vulnerabilities that have been discovered - so it's important to stay on top of them. Missing even one could leave you exposed. Enabling automatic updates can help to ensure that you always have the latest security fixes locked and loaded on your devices.

Be cautious

Exercise caution when opening emails or clicking on links, especially from unknown or suspicious sources. Phishing attacks are common, and can trick you into providing sensitive information or downloading malware.

If you use a computer as part of your job, your employer should offer some form of training on recognizing phishing attempts. If you haven't had any, don't be afraid to seek it out. Similarly, if you are an employer, take it upon yourself to make sure your employees are educated on cybersecurity risks.

Use antivirus and anti-malware software

Installing reputable antivirus software on your devices can alleviate some of the pressure of having to be constantly vigilant. This software will detect and remove malicious programs, often before you've even noticed them yourself. Keep the software updated and run regular scans to protect against new threats.

Secure your home network

Never rely on the default passwords provided with your routers and network devices - choose your own, make them hard to guess, and consider enabling encryption (such as WPA3 for Wi-Fi). You can also use a firewall to block unauthorized access attempts.

Back-up your data

Regularly back up your data to an external drive or cloud storage service. In the event of a cyberattack, having your sensitive information stored safely on a separate device such as a hard drive can prevent you from needing to pay a ransom.

Monitor and respond to threats

If you notice any kind of suspicious activity on your network or systems, don't be tempted to brush it off. Slow performance, unexpected glitches and crashes can all be a sign of some form of malware. Run regular scans with your choice of security software; don't rely on the security systems that come as part of your computer.

Halt hackers in their tracks

Hacking is an inescapable part of digital life - but, with every advance hackers make, cybersecurity experts are there to thwart them. By fostering a culture of cybersecurity awareness, we can mitigate the risks of hacking and build a safer digital future for everyone.

If you're new to cybersecurity software and are looking for a place to start, why not get in touch and try our free antispyware tool?