Hacking, hackers and their world : History of hacking and basics.

This article covers the basic knowledge of hacking, type of hackers, common attack methods, and common target of hackers.

What is hacking?

Hacking is the unauthorized access, manipulation, or exploitation of computer systems or networks, often for malicious purposes such as stealing data, disrupting operations, or causing damage.

Hacking has its roots in the early days of computing when enthusiasts experimented with hardware and software to explore their capabilities. The term "hacker" initially referred to skilled programmers who enjoyed pushing the boundaries of technology. However, as computer networks became more prevalent, hacking took on a darker connotation as individuals began exploiting vulnerabilities for personal gain or mischief. Notable events, such as the 1983 hacking of ARPANET, the precursor to the internet, and the 1988 Morris Worm, highlighted the potential dangers of malicious hacking. Since then, hacking has evolved into a complex landscape involving both criminal activities and ethical hacking aimed at improving cybersecurity.

*information collected from Wikipedia

 There are mainly three types of hackers:

1. White Hat Hackers - They're like the good guys. They use their skills to help organizations find and fix security weaknesses. They work legally, often hired by companies to make sure their systems are safe from bad hackers.

2. Black Hat Hackers - These are the bad guys. They hack for personal gain, like stealing money or data, causing trouble, or just for fun. They're the ones you hear about in cybercrime stories.

3. Grey Hat Hackers - They're kind of in the middle. They may break into systems without permission, but not always for bad reasons. Sometimes they just want to show that there's a security flaw that needs fixing.

There are other types too, like script kiddies (who use pre-made hacking tools without much skill) or hacktivists (who hack for political or social reasons). And sometimes governments have their own hackers, called state-sponsored hackers, who use their skills for spying or cyber warfare.

Hackers use a variety of techniques and strategies to attack their targets. Here's an overview of some common methods:

1. Phishing: Phishing involves sending deceptive emails or messages that appear to be from legitimate sources, such as banks or trusted companies, to trick recipients into revealing sensitive information like passwords, credit card numbers, or personal details. Phishing emails often contain links to fake websites or malicious attachments.

2. Malware: Hackers create malicious software, such as viruses, worms, Trojans, spyware, and ransomware, which can infect computers and networks. Malware can be distributed through email attachments, infected websites, or compromised software. Once installed, malware can steal data, damage systems, or give hackers remote access to compromised devices.

3. Exploiting Software Vulnerabilities: Hackers exploit weaknesses or bugs in software applications, operating systems, or network protocols to gain unauthorized access to systems or execute malicious code. They often use automated tools to scan for and exploit known vulnerabilities.

4. Brute Force Attacks: In a brute force attack, hackers use automated tools to try many different combinations of usernames and passwords until they find the correct credentials to access a system or account. Brute force attacks are often used against login pages, remote access systems, or encrypted files.

5. Social Engineering: Social engineering involves manipulating individuals or employees into revealing sensitive information or performing actions that compromise security. Hackers may use techniques such as pretexting, impersonation, or psychological manipulation to deceive victims into divulging confidential information, clicking on malicious links, or providing access to secure systems.

6. Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS): In a DDoS attack, hackers flood a target's servers, network infrastructure, or websites with a large volume of traffic, overwhelming them and causing services to become unavailable to legitimate users. DDoS attacks can disrupt operations, cause financial losses, or be used as a distraction while other attacks are carried out.

These are just a few examples of the many tactics and techniques hackers use to attack their targets. As technology evolves, hackers continually adapt and develop new methods to exploit vulnerabilities and achieve their objectives.

Hackers have a diverse range of targets, depending on their motives and objectives. 

Here's a breakdown of some common targets:

Individuals: Hackers often target individuals to steal personal information like financial data or credentials. They might use this information for identity theft, fraud, or extortion. Sometimes, hackers might even target individuals for personal reasons, like revenge or harassment.

Enterprises: Businesses and organizations are prime targets for hackers looking for financial gain, intellectual property theft, or to disrupt operations. They might try to steal valuable data such as customer information or trade secrets for profit or competitive advantage. Others might use ransomware attacks, encrypting crucial data and demanding payment for its release.

Government Agencies: Government bodies can be targets for hackers seeking espionage, political leverage, or to disrupt critical infrastructure. They might aim to steal classified information, influence elections, or cause disruptions in government services and communications.

Critical Infrastructure: Hackers might target essential systems such as power plants, transportation networks, or healthcare systems to cause widespread disruption or damage. These attacks can have severe consequences, affecting public safety, economic stability, and national security.

Healthcare Organizations: With healthcare records increasingly digitized, hackers may target healthcare providers to steal patient data, disrupt services, or extort ransom payments. Healthcare data is highly valuable and can be used for identity theft, insurance fraud, or medical scams.

In essence, hackers go after entities they perceive as having valuable information, financial assets, or critical infrastructure they can exploit. Their motives range from financial gain and competitive advantage to political activism, espionage, or personal vendettas. Additionally, hackers may opportunistically target individuals or organizations, exploiting vulnerabilities as they're discovered.

Note : Some of these information was taken from Wikipedia. Jump into Wiki

This basically covers the common knowledge about hacking. Thanks for reading.

Farewell.