How does hacking work?

Question

I am not asking how to do it, but how the hacking thing works.

Answer 1

Hackers tend to take at least some offense to the misuse of the word when the correct term would be cracker/cracking.
See:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hacker_definition_controversy

The most comprehensive info on the subject is probably compiled in the Jargon file and related docs:
http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/hacker-howto.html

What you are referring to is probably more appropriately defined as cracking. Which is generally bypassing security or obtaining unauthorized access to a computer system or program. This is typically done by exploiting a flaw in a program or service which allows one a level of access that is not necessarily intended. Another common method of accomplishing this is via social engineering (phishing, the use of a trojan horse, etc.). Many crackers known as "script kiddies" have little programming knowledge and use various programs to do their cracking, while others are quite knowledgable and can break into systems which are generally quite secure. These may also be considered 'black hat' hackers.

EDIT: Windows machines are relatively insecure in the design of the Operating System and the philosophy of user friendliness which generally allows the user and user-run programs access to system files. Thus it is quite easy to exploit it's weaknesses and this is obvious in the number of effective viruses, spyware, adware, etc. Windows machines require more diligence to secure properly than do other systems. Wherein lies another problem being that the average user has no idea about computer security technology.

Answer 2

Hey All the answers above are not correct... THE REAL TERM HACKING refers to an 'ART'. It is an art which defines and allows the knowledge of a user to speak his mind. It was a term which was associated with the guys who knew almost everything about the computer in the late 60's. Gradually the reputation of the hackers deteriorated as there were some illegal uses of the knowledge. So in mid 80's, these guys who exploited their knowledge in wrong direction were classified to another name as CRACKERS. So the hackers are gud people who help to secure one's system/server/ etc,,, etc... So hacking term is associated with gud people and cracking term is associated with bad people. The way u can stop this is by changing ur password regularly... Try using alphanumeric passwords with some special charectors and symbols. the password should not be a regularly used string.

Answer 3

That depends on what you think hacking is. Hacking is a very broad term but usually it means to "hack" in to a website. In order to do that one must find a "vulnerability" or a hole in the server being hacked and exploit it, gaining control or minor control and keep going from there eventually manipulating some part of the server.

Answer 4

A hacker just simply enter in ur computer and steal ur private data or info: and u don't even know when they enter or when the leave or stole.To stop hacking u must have a firewall installed on your computer.
Hacking may also be done by sending you a mail without any subject and when you open it u find it blank and at that moment it will steal ur password and send it to the owner(one who sent this blank mail).In this way ur account will be hacked.

Answer 5

there is no specific answer to your question.
but as i think hacking is works like ,understanding the things deeply,functionality,loopholes , then if u find any loophole or any weak point, or other interesting thing that can help you directly or indirectly ,you can hack it

but its evil thing. and not the easy job to do, no one should do it

Answer 6

I think its when someone gets ahold of your computer adress? numbers and thats how they sneak in?

Answer 7

They cime in when you the web and and your email !