The world of computers and Internet has given rise to a whole new era of information and communication, while transporting us directly to an advanced digital age. But computer systems and networks have become as vulnerable as any other human systems to insecurities and threats from computer criminals.

Hacking is a widely used term in various contexts, but the most common usage is to describe a clandestine entry into an unauthorized computer environment by causing intentional security breaches, with a motive of causing system disruption, data or identity theft, or a fraud.

Hacking requires exceptional expertise to breach all the security walls created by computer professionals. Just like any other security breach in the physical world, it takes a sharp but criminal mind to surpass the creativity of a computer security professional, and outperform him destructively.

BASIC IN-BUILT WEAKNESSES OF A COMPUTER SYSTEM

Hacking is facilitated in part by the inherent weaknesses of the system itself. It is commonly assumed that only the weaknesses of the external environment allow a hacker to breach the security. But very few experts realize that the internal environment, i.e., the computer system itself is also insecure enough to invite hacking. When a hacker manages to trespass one area of the system, it is fairly easy for him to get access to most areas of the system.

VULNERABILITY OF FINANCIAL SYSTEMS TO HACKING

Hacking has resulted in extensive financial losses all over the world. Credit Card frauds, Bank frauds and financial frauds of other nature have caused losses to the tune of billions of dollars in many countries. Millions of individuals have become innocent victims to hackers, suffering massive financial losses, and in some cases losing their entire life's savings in one stroke.

HACKING "EXPLOITS"

Many times, Hackers make use of "Exploits" to execute their strategies of breaching a secure system. "Exploit" in computer parlance refers to a software or a set of data or commands that can utilize a flaw or a glitch in the computer software or hardware to cause disruption in the system. Exploits help the hacker to gain complete control over a system or privileged access to it.

HACKING AND "EAVESDROPPING"

Hackers can make use of sophisticated software programs that can breach the security of the Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and allow them to eavesdrop on any computer terminals connected with the ISP.

"SOCIAL" HACKING

One of the common strategies employed by hackers is to pose as security experts or system administrators, and seek out the passwords of individuals who are willing to trust them. This way, hackers have managed to penetrate some of the most secure computer systems with flawless ease.

"DENIAL OF SERVICE" HACKING

This type of hacking is not done with the intention of gaining illegal access to a system. But it is conducted with the aim of disabling the system or locking out the original user and preventing him from using the computer service.

INDIRECT HACKING

Sometimes a hacker tries to safeguard his identity by using a remote location, i.e., a third party computer to hack a system. This method misleads those who are trying to track down the hacker, and makes it much more difficult to identify or capture him.

SUMMARY: Hacking is a serious menace that continues to threaten the security and privacy of computer environments. It is an unlawful activity, resulting in severe damages to the society and business.