What is hacking?

HACKING !


What is hacking?
Hacking can be defined as the process of gaining unauthorised access to a computer or computerised system and the information it contains. Both corporate and home users can be at risk of hacking.
What are the risks to home users?The risk to home users from hacking is growing. Until recently, the use of conventional dial-up modems meant that users tended to be connected to the Internet for relatively short periods of time. However, broadband and cable connections, through which systems can be permanently connected to the Internet, make it easier for hackers to be aware of your presence online and attempt to gain access to your system. Faster connections can also make it easier to transfer information from your system very quickly. Some viruses are known as ‘Trojan Horses’ or ‘Trojans’. Once installed these will open a ‘back door’ to your computer and notify the sender. The sender can then access your computer and open, delete or copy files from it without your knowledge.
In addition, an increasing number of programmes, such as real-time chat applications, act as servers to exchange information online. Your system needs to 'open up' more of its resources to the Internet to do this, which can make it more vulnerable.
What can home users do?There are several steps you can take to help protect your computer and the information it contains:
Use a "firewall", a piece of hardware or software that blocks unauthorised access to your system. Software versions can be found on the Internet, and many computer magazines feature software in their cover CDs.
Don’t leave any files that contain sensitive information – for example, your bank details - where they could easily be found by someone hacking your system.
Make sure you are running the latest versions of any software that acts as a server.
Remember as long as your system is switched on and connected to the Internet, it could be at risk of being hacked. You don’t have to actively be using your system for it to be vulnerable.
As with other Internet crimes, the best cure is prevention. If you have been the victim of a hacker you may not realise until any sensitive information stored on your system has been put to use.
Corporate, business and public sector usersThe risk to businesses and the public sector is high, as the sensitive nature of information held on their computer systems makes them an attractive target for hackers. This makes the use of security technology paramount. Companies should consider the use of dedicated firewall hardware as well as software. They should look at the ways in which the outside can gain access to their network, and ensure that their systems are not using installed default system passwords etc. Organisations dealing with this area include:
Local police forces, who now work in conjunction with the National High-Tech Crime Unit (NHTCU)
Unified Incident Reporting and Alert Scheme (UNIRAS). This scheme's purpose is to ensure the integrity of government, public service and infrastructure-related systems. However, its alerts and briefings are also available to users outside the UNIRAS community, which also welcomes reports of significant threats and vulnerabilities.