Hacking: meaning, definitions and examples

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hacking

[ˈhækɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

cyber security

The act of gaining unauthorized access to computer systems or networks in order to steal data, corrupt files, or cause disruption.

Synonyms

breach, cyber attack, intrusion.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
hacking	When referring to unauthorized access or manipulation of computer systems, often by individuals working alone. Can sometimes be used in a non-malicious context like ethical hacking. He got into trouble for hacking his school's database The company hired an expert to do some ethical hacking to find security weaknesses
cyber attack	Refers to deliberate and malicious attempts to damage, disrupt, or gain unauthorized access to computer systems or networks, often by groups or organizations. The cyber attack crippled the hospital's computer systems Governments are taking measures to prevent potential cyber attacks
intrusion	Emphasizes unauthorized entry into a protected area, often used in both physical and digital security contexts. The intrusion was detected by the network security system She felt her privacy was violated by the intrusions
breach	Used when there is a break in security, such as unauthorized access to data or systems, often involving sensitive or protected information. There was a data breach at the bank that exposed customer information The security breach was caused by weak passwords

Examples of usage

Hacking into the company's database, the cyber criminals stole sensitive customer information.
The government agency hired ethical hackers to identify vulnerabilities in their network.
The hacker used sophisticated techniques to bypass the firewall and access confidential information.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

technology

The clever or skillful manipulation of a system or technology to achieve a desired outcome.

Synonyms

exploitation, manipulation, tinkering.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
hacking	Hacking is used when referring to the unauthorized access to computer systems, usually with malicious intent. It can also refer to creative problem-solving in programming. The company improved its security measures to prevent hacking attempts. She spent the weekend hacking together a new feature for the app.
manipulation	Manipulation refers to controlling or influencing someone or something cleverly or unscrupulously. It often implies deceit or unfair tactics. The politician was skilled in the manipulation of public opinion. She learned how to recognize and avoid emotional manipulation in relationships.
exploitation	Exploitation is used when discussing the unfair use of someone or something for one's own advantage, often harming the victim. It has a negative connotation. The documentary exposed the exploitation of workers in the garment industry. He was accused of exploitation for making his employees work overtime without extra pay.
tinkering	Tinkering is used when someone is making small, often experimental adjustments or repairs, usually in a hobbyist context. It has a neutral or positive connotation. He spent the afternoon tinkering with his old car in the garage. She enjoys tinkering with electronics to see how they work.

Examples of usage

She was praised for her hacking skills in optimizing the company's website performance.
The software engineer applied creative hacking to improve the functionality of the app.

^{Context #3 | Verb}

informal

To use a computer to gain unauthorized access to data in a system.

Synonyms

breach, break into, crack.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
hacking	Used to describe the act of gaining unauthorized access to computer systems or networks. It's often used in a general context and can have negative connotations. She was caught hacking into government databases. Hacking can lead to serious security issues.
breach	Refers to an incident where data, networks, or systems are accessed without permission. It is often used in the context of cybersecurity and data protection. The company suffered a major data breach, exposing customer information. Recent breaches have led to stricter security measures.
crack	Often used to describe the process of finding and exploiting vulnerabilities to bypass security measures, such as password cracking. It can also refer to overcoming copy protection in software. The team managed to crack the encryption in record time. He was arrested for cracking several high-profile systems.
break into	Typically used in a broader context to describe physically or digitally entering a space without permission. It can refer to both cyber activities and physical trespassing. Someone tried to break into my house last night. Hackers attempted to break into the university’s server.

Examples of usage

He hacked into the school's grading system to change his exam scores.
The cybercriminals attempted to hack the bank's online banking platform.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The term 'hack' evolved in the 1960s at MIT, where it referred to playful experimentation with computers rather than malicious activities.
In the early days of computing, 'hackers' were respected as skilled programmers who pushed the limits of what machines could do.
Hacking as a negative concept grew in the 1980s, particularly with incidents like the Morris Worm, which caused significant network disruptions.

Pop Culture

Films like 'WarGames' and 'Hackers' popularized the image of young, rebellious hackers taking down powerful systems.
The concept of 'ethical hacking' emerged, distinguishing between malicious hackers and those who help organizations improve security.
In video games, hacking is often depicted as a cool skill, where players can manipulate environments to their advantage.

Technology

With the rise of the Internet, hacking became a global phenomenon, prompting businesses to invest heavily in cybersecurity.
There are various types of hacking, including white-hat (ethical), black-hat (malicious), and gray-hat (sometimes ethical, sometimes not) hackers.
Hacking tools and techniques continue to evolve, with advances making it easier for both ethical and malicious hackers to operate.

Psychology

Some hackers are motivated by a desire for intellectual challenge, viewing hacking as a puzzle to be solved.
Social engineering, a technique used in hacking, relies heavily on understanding human psychology and behavior.
The hacker subculture often emphasizes values like freedom of information and anti-establishment sentiments, appealing to those who feel marginalized.

Education

Many universities offer courses in cybersecurity, teaching students the principles and practices of ethical hacking.
Hackathons, events where programmers collaborate intensively, foster creative problem-solving and innovation in technology.
Online platforms and communities have emerged, allowing aspiring hackers to learn and share resources, enhancing their skills through practice.

Translations

Translations of the word "hacking" in other languages:

🇵🇹 hacking

🇮🇳 हैकिंग

🇩🇪 Hacken

🇮🇩 peretasan

🇺🇦 хакінг

🇵🇱 hakowanie

🇯🇵 ハッキング

🇫🇷 piratage

🇪🇸 piratería

🇹🇷 hackerlik

🇰🇷 해킹

🇸🇦 القرصنة

🇨🇿 hackování

🇸🇰 hackovanie

🇨🇳 黑客行为

🇸🇮 hekanje

🇮🇸 hakk

🇰🇿 хакерлік

🇬🇪 ჰაკინგი

🇦🇿 hakerlik

🇲🇽 piratería

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,626, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

...
21623 misappropriation
21624 totalitarianism
21625 discontinuation
21626 hacking
21627 physiognomy
21628 scapegoat
21629 interdict
...