Hacks: meaning, definitions and examples

🔓

Add to dictionary

hacks

[hæks ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

cybersecurity

Unauthorized access to a computer system or network, typically for malicious purposes.

Synonyms

attack, breach, intrusion.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
hacks	This term is often used in the context of unauthorized access to computer systems or networks, usually with malicious intent. It can also refer to clever solutions to technical problems, but in cybersecurity, it generally has a negative connotation. The company announced a security update after multiple hacks were reported. He tried to find hacks to improve the website's performance.
breach	This term specifically refers to an incident where data, information, or systems are accessed without authorization. It highlights the unauthorized access rather than the method used to achieve it and usually has a serious, negative implication. The data breach exposed personal information of millions of users. After the breach, the company invested heavily in cybersecurity measures.
intrusion	Used to indicate an unwelcome or unauthorized entry into a computer system or network. It often implies a stealthy or covert action and usually has a negative connotation. The firewall is designed to prevent network intrusions. There was an unauthorized intrusion into the company's servers last night.
attack	Used to describe a deliberate action taken to harm or exploit a computer system, network, or data. This word is usually associated with aggressive and hostile actions, and it has a clear negative connotation. The organization suffered a cyber attack that compromised customer information. A DDoS attack disrupted the website's availability.

Examples of usage

The company fell victim to a series of hacks that compromised sensitive data.
Hackers are constantly finding new ways to exploit vulnerabilities in computer systems.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

technology

A clever solution to a problem or a creative way to modify or repurpose something.

Synonyms

shortcut, trick, workaround.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
trick	Describes a clever or skillful action or method. Can be used in both positive and negative scenarios, like magic tricks or deceptive acts. She showed me a neat trick to fold clothes quickly. Watch how he does that magic trick with the cards.
shortcut	Refers to an alternative route or method that saves time or effort. Widely used in navigation, tasks, and computer commands. Take the shortcut through the park to reach the office faster. Use this keyboard shortcut to quickly copy and paste text.
workaround	Refers to a temporary or alternative solution used to bypass a problem, typically in technical or procedural contexts. Often implies a solution that is not ideal and might be a temporary fix. Until we can fix the software bug, we have a workaround to keep the system running. She found a workaround for the issue with the online form.

Word

Description / Examples

trick

Describes a clever or skillful action or method. Can be used in both positive and negative scenarios, like magic tricks or deceptive acts.

She showed me a neat trick to fold clothes quickly.
Watch how he does that magic trick with the cards.

shortcut

Refers to an alternative route or method that saves time or effort. Widely used in navigation, tasks, and computer commands.

Take the shortcut through the park to reach the office faster.
Use this keyboard shortcut to quickly copy and paste text.

workaround

Refers to a temporary or alternative solution used to bypass a problem, typically in technical or procedural contexts. Often implies a solution that is not ideal and might be a temporary fix.

Until we can fix the software bug, we have a workaround to keep the system running.
She found a workaround for the issue with the online form.

Examples of usage

He came up with a brilliant hack to double the battery life of his smartphone.
The software engineer used a clever hack to optimize the code.

^{Context #3 | Verb}

computing

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

Synonyms

access, breach, intrude.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
hacks	To describe unauthorized attempts to gain access to systems or data. It often refers to someone breaking into a system through technological means. The company had to shut down its servers due to repeated hacks from unknown sources He spent years learning different methods of computer hacks
breach	Used to describe a gap or break in security or a violation of rules or laws, often with negative connotations. The data breach exposed thousands of personal records Legal action was taken due to the breach of contract
intrude	To describe an unwelcome entry or interruption, often into someone's private space or affairs. He felt uncomfortable as strangers tried to intrude on his private conversation Noise from construction can intrude on the peace of the neighborhood
access	To describe the ability or permission to enter or use something, often used in neutral or positive contexts. She needs access to the database to complete her project With his new job, he has access to many important resources

Examples of usage

The hackers managed to hack into the company's database and steal sensitive information.
It is illegal to hack into someone's email without their permission.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word originates from the mid-20th century and initially referred to a quick fix or solution in programming.
In the 1960s, it was used in tech circles to describe creative problem-solving, emphasizing inventiveness.
It has evolved over time, now often associated with clever shortcuts or modifications in various fields.

Culture

Pop culture often showcases life hacks in articles and videos, making everyday tasks simpler, from cooking to organizing.
The rise of 'life hacking' emphasizes productivity tips, blending personal development with unconventional strategies.
Many social media platforms have dedicated spaces for sharing hacks, inspiring millions to adopt smart, efficient methods.

Technology

Hacker culture, especially in the tech industry, celebrates ethical hacking, which aims to improve security systems.
The concept of 'hacking' has expanded to include modifications in gaming, where players create custom experiences.
With the growth of the internet, hackers have globally impacted everything from software development to cybersecurity.

Psychology

The use of hacks often ties into cognitive psychology, where simplifying tasks can reduce mental load and increase efficiency.
People are drawn to hacks because they provide a sense of control and satisfaction in overcoming challenges.
Behavioral studies suggest that sharing hacks enhances community support, reinforcing social bonds among individuals.

Business

Businesses utilize hacks to innovate processes and reduce costs, leading to more efficient operations and increased profitability.
Successful entrepreneurs often share their hacks, influencing others in the startup ecosystem to think outside the box.
In marketing, hacks can drive viral campaigns, demonstrating how a simple strategy can capture widespread attention.

Translations

Translations of the word "hacks" in other languages:

🇵🇹 truques

🇮🇳 चालें

🇩🇪 Tricks

🇮🇩 trik

🇺🇦 трюки

🇵🇱 sztuczki

🇯🇵 トリック

🇫🇷 trucs

🇪🇸 trucos

🇹🇷 hileler

🇰🇷 트릭

🇸🇦 حيل

🇨🇿 triky

🇸🇰 triky

🇨🇳 技巧

🇸🇮 triki

🇮🇸 brögð

🇰🇿 айла

🇬🇪 ხერხები

🇦🇿 hiylələr

🇲🇽 trucos

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,889, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

...
26886 bundling
26887 xenophobia
26888 fearlessness
26889 hacks
26890 hungrily
26891 amassing
26892 sushi
...