Hacking, spelled with a /h/ sound followed by a /æ/ sound, is a verb that refers to the act of gaining unauthorized access to a computer or system. The /k/ sound is made by the letter combination "ck" after the short /æ/ vowel sound. The second /a/ sound is represented by the letter "i" and is pronounced with a long /a:/ sound. The final /g/ sound, represented by the letter "g", indicates that the word is a present participle, indicating an ongoing action.
Hacking refers to the unauthorized and often illegal act of gaining unauthorized access to computer systems, networks, or devices. It involves the use of various techniques and tools to exploit vulnerabilities in a target system's security in order to gain control or extract information without the owner's knowledge or permission.
Hacking can be carried out by individuals or organized groups known as hackers, who possess advanced knowledge of computer systems and programming. They exploit weaknesses in security systems, such as weak passwords, unpatched software, or misconfigured settings, to gain access to personal, financial, or sensitive data.
Hacking can have various motives, including financial gain, personal amusement, activism, corporate espionage, or sabotage. Some hackers may seek to sell stolen information on the dark web, while others may deface websites or disrupt services for their own satisfaction or to make a political statement.
However, it is essential to note that hacking is not always associated with malicious intent. Ethical hacking, also known as "white hat hacking," involves authorized individuals using their skills to identify vulnerabilities in computer systems and networks for the purpose of improving security and preventing attacks. Ethical hackers work with organizations or individuals to proactively protect their systems and data from unauthorized access or malicious attacks.
A chopping stroke made with the edge of the hand in massage.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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The word "hacking" originated in the early 19th century and originally referred to the act of cutting or chopping with heavy and irregular blows. It derived from the Old English word "haccian", which meant "to cut into pieces" or "to chop". Over time, the term "hacking" was also used to describe other actions of rough cutting, like hacking through underbrush or hacking away at an obstacle.
In the 20th century, the term "hacking" started to be associated with the act of cleverly manipulating or modifying systems, particularly computer systems. It was first used in this context in the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the 1960s, where the word was adopted by computer enthusiasts who were exploring the possibilities and limits of computer systems. This early subculture of computer enthusiasts eventually evolved into the modern-day hacker community.