What is hacking?

Hacking is an unauthorized entry into a network or a computer to steal or manipulate information, data or files. The person involved in the hacking process is named as a hacker.
Computer hacking is done using several types of programs such as Rootkit, Trojan, Keylogger etc. Hackers also employ techniques like browser hijacks, spoofing, phishing etc. to capture user’s personal or financial details.
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Who is a Hacker?

A Hacker is a person who finds and exploits the weakness in computer systems and/or networks to gain access. Hackers are usually skilled computer programmers with knowledge of computer security.

Hackers are classified according to the intent of their actions. The following list classifies hackers according to their intent:

 

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Ethical Hacker (White hat): A hacker who gains access to systems with a view to fix    the identified weaknesses. They may also perform penetration Testing and vulnerability assessments.

 

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Cracker (Black hat): A hacker who gains unauthorized access to computer systems for personal gain. The intent is usually to steal corporate data, violate privacy rights, transfer funds from bank accounts etc.

 

What is Hacking ? An Introduction

 

Grey hat: A hacker who is in between ethical and black hat hackers. He/she breaks into computer systems without authority with a view to identify weaknesses and reveal them to the system owner.

 

What is Hacking ? An Introduction

 

Script kiddies: A non-skilled person who gains access to computer systems using already made tools.

 

 

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Hacktivist: A hacker who use hacking to send social, religious, and political, etc. messages. This is usually done by hijacking websites and leaving the message on the hijacked website

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Phreaker: A hacker who identifies and exploits weaknesses in telephones instead of computers.

 

 

How to Prevent Hacking?

 

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Tips on how to avoid being hacked on your computer
  1. Install antivirus software

Antivirus software it will give you a strong line of defense against malware,   phishing schemes and other threats from the internet or from USB devices.

2. Scan all email attachments

it’s best to scan it with your antivirus software.

      3. Use trusted devices
         Avoid logging into private accounts from public computers such as at the library or school computers, attackers can install keylogger software on public computers.
       4. Back Up Your Data
       Backing up your data is not necessarily a way of keeping your computer safe, but it is a way of keeping your data safe.

 

Tips on how to avoid being hacked on your phone
  1. Put a PIN, passcode or pattern lock on your phone

    Lock your phone’s screen — a six-digit PIN is better than a four-digit PIN, and an alphanumeric password is better than either.
  2. Protect your PIN and Credit Card data

    Use a protected app to store PIN numbers and credit cards, or better yet, don’t store them in your phone at all.
  3. Beware of public WiFi

    There are simple ways to prevent data loss via public WiFi. Check it’s legitimate: It’s easy for hackers to set up a fake WiFi network that looks like an official one.
  4. Forget the network

    Once you have finished browsing on a WiFi, log off all services you were using and then ask the device to forget the network so it doesn’t automatically join next time you’re in range.
  5. Turn off your WiFi

    Make sure you disable WiFi when you’re not using it. This prevents your device joining any rough networks automatically without you noticing.

Importance of an Anti-hacking Software

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Anti-hacking software is also known as a computer antivirus software, which is a must have for every PC. Anti-hacking software protects a PC from hacking attacks by detecting and removing the virus, spyware, and other malware intrusions.

The antivirus software must be kept updated with the latest virus signature so that any types of new threats can be detected.  REVE Antivirus software is ideal for internet users as it protects your computer’s data from hackers.

Sources:
https://www.guru99.com/what-is-hacking-an-introduction.html
https://www.reveantivirus.com/en/computer-security-threats/computer-hacking