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xinnybuxlrie xinnybux...
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July 09, 2006
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Resolved Question

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How does hacking work?

I am not asking how to do it, but how the hacking thing works.
  • 3 years ago
tj by tj
Member since:
December 16, 2006
Total points:
17434 (Level 6)

Best Answer - Chosen by Voters

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_defi…

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

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.
  • 3 years ago
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