Hacking is the act of exploiting computer systems, networks, or software vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access, manipulate data, or disrupt operations. While often linked to cybercrime—such as identity theft, ransomware attacks, and data breaches—hacking also has ethical applications. Ethical hackers (white-hat hackers) use their skills to identify and fix security weaknesses, helping organizations strengthen their defenses.

Hacking techniques range from phishing attacks and malware deployment to brute-force password cracking and exploiting system vulnerabilities. As cyber threats evolve, individuals and businesses must implement strong security measures, regular software updates, and multi-factor authentication to protect their data and systems from unauthorized access.