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Hacked Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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hacked

[hĂŚkt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

computer security

Hacked refers to the unauthorized intrusion into a computer system or network, typically to steal or manipulate information. This term encompasses various cyber crimes, including data breaches, identity theft, and system disruptions. Hackers might exploit vulnerabilities in software or use techniques like phishing to gain access. The ramifications of hacking can be severe, affecting businesses and individuals alike by compromising sensitive information and leading to financial losses.

Synonyms

breached, compromised, infiltrated, intruded.

Examples of usage

  • The company's database was hacked last week.
  • He was accused of hacking into government servers.
  • They suspect that her email was hacked.
  • A group of hackers claimed responsibility for the attack.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • Movies like 'Hackers' (1995) and 'The Matrix' (1999) dramatized the lives of hackers, contributing to the fascination with digital crimes.
  • The term 'hacktivism' emerged, where hacking is used as a form of political protest.
  • Video games often include hacking as a gameplay element, allowing characters to manipulate technology.

Cybersecurity

  • Cyber attacks can result in personal data breaches, leading to identity theft and financial loss for individuals.
  • Phishing scams trick users into providing sensitive information, exposing vulnerabilities.
  • Organizations are increasingly investing in cybersecurity measures to protect against potential hacks.

Legal Implications

  • Unauthorized access to computers is illegal in many countries, with laws specifically addressing hacking activities.
  • Ethical hacking is a legitimate practice where experts test systems for weaknesses, often hired by companies to enhance security.
  • Penalties for hacking can include fines and imprisonment, depending on the severity of the crime.

History of Hacks

  • The notorious 2017 Equifax breach exposed the personal data of approximately 147 million Americans.
  • In 2016, the hacking of the Democratic National Committee revealed sensitive emails, impacting the U.S. presidential election.
  • One of the first recorded hacks occurred in 1983 when a teenager broke into the computer network of the U.S. military.

Origin of 'hacked'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'hack' originally referred to clever, quick solutions to problems, especially in programming.
  • In the 1960s, computer programmers used 'hacks' to describe playful or clever piece of coding.
  • The word evolved to include unauthorized access as technology became more integrated into everyday life.

The term 'hack' originated in the 1960s at MIT, where it described a playful or clever solution to a problem. It was initially associated with the creative and innovative use of computers. Over time, especially in the 1980s and '90s as personal computing became more widespread, the meaning shifted to encompass unauthorized access to digital systems. The rise of the internet further popularized the term, leading to public awareness of hacking incidents and their implications for security and privacy. Today, 'hacked' has entered mainstream vocabulary, often associated with cybercrime and breaches of data security, reflecting society's ongoing battle against digital threats.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,718, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.