SpartanTec, Inc. Wilmington: What is Hacking? How Did It Start?

Hacking should be a constant concern for all internet users, especially small business owners. Not because hackers can take over their accounts and devices, but because of the potential for serious consequences.

What is hacking? How did ordinary small business owners become so afraid for their data security and privacy, even though they were in their own environment?

What is Hacking?

Hacking refers to any activity that attempts to illegally gain access to a computer system, device or network without the owner’s permission. Hacking can sometimes cause harm, but it is not an essential element.

Gray and white hat hackers can force their way into systems to achieve positive or morally upright motivations. It is not uncommon for hackers to do this as a joke, or to show their technical skills to peers.

Hacking Definition

Based on their knowledge of the internet, almost anyone can define hacking. Hacking is a story about illegally accessing networks and devices. However, it is important to understand what hacking means.

Understanding the language used to describe something is the first step in understanding it. You’ll find two definitions of hacking in both the old and new dictionaries.

Computer hacking is a way to gain unauthorized access to a system or device that isn’t malicious, but which has become synonymous with illegal activities.

Hacking is a term that refers to cutting or chopping. This does not refer to illegally accessing computer systems or devices. Actually, the verb word “hacker” predates modern computers and digital systems. It is however related to hacking’s very first instances.

How did hacking begin?

In 1878, the first instance of illegally manipulating technical systems occurred. Bell Telephone hired a group of teenage boys to abruptly disconnect and misdirect telephone calls. This incident is not often mentioned because it was the first hacking incident.

In 1959, hackers were able to access an illegal system without being detected. Tech Model Railroad Club members used the term “hack” to refer to cutting into circuits and controlling the switches and lanes.

In 1969, M. I.T. formed a group of model train and tech enthusiasts. To improve the efficiency of railroad companies, they challenged themselves to hack into their systems.

Although illegal, the M. I.T. Although illegal, the M. I.T. incident was not harmful or malicious.

In 1971, the first internet hack was created. Some people discovered that they could access AT&T long-distance switching systems by making a loud whistling sound at 2600 hertz. They were able to make international and national phone calls without any charges.

Computer hackers and their schemes

Hackers, as we now know them, have been around since the advent of modern computers in offices and homes in late 1970s and early 1980s. Hackers managed to hack into nearly every system and device as technology advanced and emails, smartphones, and cell phones became more mainstream.

There are many hacks that you should be aware of when you use social media to check your email or make a call. These include:

Phishing attacks
Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) attacks
SQL injection attacks
Brute-force password attacks
DNS attacks
DoS and DDoS attacks
Business Email Compromise (BEC) attacks

Is Hacking on the Rise?

Since its inception in 1800s, hacking has evolved many times. It is not dead and it will continue to evolve in order to keep pace with technological advances and innovations.

Hackers are already developing new ways to hack into networks and devices using machine learning, artificial intelligence, and bots. There are also ways to hack into devices via USB charging ports, also known as juice jacking. You don’t even have to do anything in order to be infected by malware.