Hacking is exploiting weaknesses and vulnerabilities within phone or computer systems. Hackers then can take over your data, monitor you or your contacts, set up backdoors and engage with other malicious behaviour. Often, hackers are only interested in making money and will even publish embarrassing/sensitive information about you online to do so.
They may also infect your phone or computer with virus that makes the device slow and susceptible to error messages or recording any conversations on it! These viruses, called trojans, can be hidden within music files, photos and free games. They can also be found in toolbars, apps as well as toolbars in themselves. Another way for people to become infected by trojans occurs when they click on an untrusted download link or open a corrupted file in an email. Hackers can also find unsecured websites and upload trojans to them to infect as many people as possible. Another form of hacking is called remote administration tools (RATs). These tools allow the attacker complete and total control over the victim’s computer.
In films hackers are adept in guessing passwords, however in reality they use malware to get around this. This could be malware that tracks the passwords you type, or a trojan which allows hackers to listen in on your conversations using your phone’s mic.
The most successful hacking attempts begin with phishing emails/texts that trick users into clicking links or calling numbers. Scammers may gain access to your private information, computer or phone by clicking on links or call numbers. It is also essential to update your operating system on a regular basis and check/delete attachments prior to you download them.