What is Computer Hacking

A trip to the world of computer hacking, whether ethical or unethical, can be a fascinating experience for any individual. The term is often perceived as glamorous and chic, despite its darker side. Computer hacking is basically an alteration of computer hardware or software, in order to accomplish a goal which is outside of the creator’s original purpose. A standalone computer is less vulnerable to hacking, as compared to a computer on a private or public network. In case of standalone computers, it is necessary to get the hands on the computer machine, whereas, in case of computers on network, unauthorized access can be gained without actually handling the machine.

Computer hacking is both an art and science, for the people who try to break into protected or unprotected networks. Art, because it involves creativity which is equivalent to the painting of a beautiful landscape, and science because of its technical aspects. People practicing unethical hacking, generally tend to steal personal information, change a corporation’s financial data, break security codes to gain unauthorized network access, or conduct other destructive activities. There are two kinds of people who indulge in computer hacking, namely those who develop an interest in computer hacking out of simple intellectual curiosity, and others with less noble motives. But the common traits amongst all hackers is that they possess technological savvy, are willing to take the risks and are passionate about various programming languages.

Computer hacking invariably involves some degree of infringement on the privacy of others, breaching the network security, and thus causing damage to confidential files, web pages or software. It may also involve downloading or alteration of files through unauthorized access, and the impact resulting from such activities will vary from being simply inquisitive to being illegal. However, many big shot companies often hire a team of hackers, in order to probe into their own loopholes. These individuals use their skills to find flaws in the company’s security system, and to prevent them from getting discovered by unethical hackers. In most cases, ethical hacking helps to prevent identity theft and other serious computer-related crimes.

Depending on the domain of their work, there are basically three types of hackers. A white hat hacker is the one who breaks security for non-malicious purposes. These purposes may range from testing the security system, to finding the major loopholes in the network. Such people normally follow the legitimate ways and work within the precincts of cyber laws. The second category includes the black hat hackers, who generally subvert computer security without authorization, with the help of viruses and various other hacking tools. These hackers use technology for vandalism, credit card fraud or identity theft. The third category includes grey hat hackers, whose domain of work lies mid-way between black hat and white hat hackers. They are of ambiguous ethics and work on the borderline of legality.

The best way to learn computer hacking is to master programming languages like Python, C/C++, Java, Perl, and LISP because these particular languages teach the programmer a very different approach towards problem solving and algorithms. This in turn provides a stronger hold on the machine and its components. However, it is not possible to reach the skill level of a hacker, just by accumulating various languages in the knowledge box. It is important to learn the algorithms and working of computers in general. It is also necessary to gain knowledge about the operating system and the various important files which are used by it.

Computer hacking is an interesting way to discover the myriad latent aspects of the wonderful world of computers. The more one tries to learn about it, the more one gets inquisitive about the different domains he can probe into. However, one should always try to understand and follow cyber laws, before trying out one's hand at computer hacking.