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Who Is a Computer Hacker?
A hacker is someone with advanced skills in computers, networks, or programming, often used to solve technical problems.
The meaning of hacker has evolved over time. Originally, it referred to creative programmers, but now, the term covers both ethical and unethical activities.
Key Takeaways
- A hacker is someone skilled in computers, networks, or programming.
- Hacking started in the 1960s as a way to solve problems creatively but later split into ethical and malicious activities.
- Hackers are white hats (ethical), black hats (criminals), or grey hats (unauthorized but often not harmful).
- Hackers can use malware and phishing kits or ethical tools for hacking.
- Popular hacking techniques include phishing, brute-force attacks, SQL injections, and ransomware.
What Do Hackers Do?
Hackers engage in a variety of activities, depending on their intentions. Some of them focus on breaching computer systems and networks to steal sensitive data, such as personal or financial information. These individuals, often referred to as cybercriminals, may use their skills for malicious purposes.
On the other hand, ethical hackers play a crucial role in improving cybersecurity by identifying vulnerabilities and helping organizations secure their networks. They test the strength of systems to prevent potential attacks.
Evolution of Hacker Culture
The word “hacker” first appeared in the 1960s within programming communities that focused on solving problems creatively. Early hackers, often computer science students or engineers, worked on building and improving systems. Their efforts led to innovations like Unix and the Internet, forming the original hacker definition – problem-solvers who pushed the limits of technology.
Over the years, hacking developed into two distinct areas: ethical hacking and malicious hacking. In the 1990s, open-source movements and events like DEF CON helped establish hacking as a valuable and collaborative skill. At the same time, black hat hackers and cybercriminals demonstrated the harmful side of hacking.
Today, hacker culture plays a key role in cybersecurity and technological progress. Ethical hackers protect systems and networks, while malicious hackers exploit them.
Types of Hackers
Hackers are often classified into three main types based on their intentions and actions:
What Tools Do Hackers Use?
Hackers use a variety of tools, and these can be grouped into two main categories:
- Malware: Software designed to steal data or disrupt operations.
- Spyware: Collects private information without the user’s knowledge.
- Phishing kits: Tools that trick users into sharing sensitive data, such as login credentials.
- Penetration testing tools: Examples include Metasploit and Nmap, which simulate cyberattacks to evaluate system defenses.
- Vulnerability scanners: Tools like Nessus identify weaknesses in computer systems and networks to prevent exploitation.
Hacking Techniques
Hackers use many techniques to target vulnerabilities in computer systems and networks.
Some of the most common methods include:
- Phishing: Deceiving users with fake emails or websites to steal sensitive information.
- Brute-force attacks: Employing automated tools to repeatedly guess passwords.
- SQL injections: Exploiting flaws in databases by inserting malicious code.
- Social engineering: Manipulating people into revealing private data or access credentials.
- Keylogging: Tracking keystrokes to obtain passwords or confidential details.
- Denial-of-service (DoS) attacks: Flooding a system with traffic to make it unavailable to legitimate users.
- DNS spoofing: Redirecting Internet traffic to fraudulent sites by altering DNS records.
- Zero-day exploits: Exploiting vulnerabilities that developers have not yet patched.
- Cross-site scripting (XSS): Embedding malicious scripts into trusted websites.
- Password cracking: Using specialized software to decrypt or guess encrypted passwords.
- Man-in-the-middle attacks (MITM): Intercepting and altering communications between two parties without their knowledge.
- Ransomware deployment: Encrypting data and demanding payment for its release.
Famous Hackers
There are a number of black hats, white hats, and grey hats that became famous as a result of their actions:
Kevin Mitnick (black hat turned consultant)
Once labeled the FBI’s most wanted hacker, Mitnick infiltrated corporate networks and stole sensitive data. After serving his sentence, he became a cybersecurity consultant, helping organizations protect their systems.
Anonymous (black hats)
Anonymous is a decentralized group known for high-profile cyberattacks. They often target governments and corporations using methods like DDoS attacks and data leaks to promote political or social causes.
Adrian Lamo (grey hat)
Nicknamed the “homeless hacker,” Lamo exposed vulnerabilities in systems like The New York Times. His actions, though unauthorized, were often aimed at highlighting security flaws.
Albert Gonzalez (black hat)
A mastermind behind major data breaches, Gonzalez stole millions of credit card records, causing significant financial losses to companies worldwide.
Tips to Protect Against Hacking
Protecting against hacking requires proactive actions to secure networks and computer systems.
Here are practical tips to enhance cybersecurity:
- Create strong passwords: Ensure each account has a unique and complex password. Include uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols to make them difficult to guess.
- Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA): Add another layer of security by requiring a second verification step, such as a one-time code or biometric scan.
- Keep systems updated: Regularly update operating systems (OSs), apps, and software to fix vulnerabilities that hackers may exploit.
- Conduct ethical hacking: Hire professionals or use ethical hacking tools to test your systems for weaknesses and strengthen defenses.
- Use reliable antivirus software: Install antivirus programs to detect and block malware. If you don’t use Windows, you can take a look at our guides on the best antivirus software for Chromebooks and Macbooks.
- Educate users: Train employees or household members to recognize phishing attempts and avoid falling for scams.
- Back up data regularly: Save copies of critical data to secure locations. This ensures recovery in case of ransomware attacks or system breaches.
By implementing these measures, you can reduce the risk of cyberattacks and safeguard computer systems and networks effectively.
The Bottom Line
A hacker can either protect or exploit computer systems and networks. The hacker definition includes ethical hackers, who strengthen cybersecurity, and cybercriminals, who use their skills for illegal activities.
To stay safe, it is crucial to understand their methods and take proactive steps, such as using strong passwords, keeping systems updated, and hiring professionals for ethical hacking. These actions help individuals and organizations defend against cyber threats and maintain secure networks.
