Hacking refers to exploiting security vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access to computer systems and networks. Common hacking techniques include denial of service attacks, trojans, password cracking, and wireless/mobile phone hacking. The typical stages of a hack are reconnaissance, scanning systems for vulnerabilities, gaining access by exploiting vulnerabilities, maintaining access, and covering tracks. Three famous hackers discussed are Robert Morris, who created the Morris worm in 1988, Kevin Mitnick, a famous social engineer hacker in the 1970s-80s, and Linus Torvalds, the creator of the Linux kernel. Basic cybersecurity practices to help prevent hacking are outlined.
2. Hacking refers to an array of activities which are
done to intrude some one else’s personal
information space so as to use it for
malicious, unwanted purposes.
Hacking is a term used to refer to activities aimed at
exploiting security flaws to obtain critical
information for gaining access to secured networks.
9. 1. Reconnaissance : The hacker seeks to gather as much
the information as possible about a target system prior
to lunching an attack.
2. Scanning: The hacker scans the network for specific
information gathered during reconnaissance.
3. Gaining Access: Refers to the penetration phase. The
hacker exploits the vulnerability in the system.
4. Maintaining Access: The hacker tries to retain his/her
ownership of the system.
5. Covering Tracks: Refers to the activities that the
hacker does to hide his misdeeds.
10. Robert Morris
• Graduated at Cornell University.
• He makes the worm as an attempt to measure the
size of the internet today.
• Following its release on November 2, 1988, the
Morris worm successfully infected 6000 systems
(approximately 10 percent of computers
connected to the internet at this time).
• The worm is designed to do no harm, but due to
an error in replication algorithm, the worm can
copy itself quickly, causing excessive load.
• In 1989, he became the first person charged with
the Act of Computer Fraud and Abuse in 1986.
11. Kevin Mitnick
•Kevin Mitnick is probably the most famous hacker in
the history of computers.
•As a master of social engineering, Mitnick was not just
computer hacking, he also did a hack on minds of
people.
•In 1979, when he was 16 years old, he made his way to
hack into computer systems and copying paid software.
•He involves himself with the personnel
administrator, such as through a phone call or an email
message and deceive them to provide passwords and
other security information.
•After two and a half years away, Mitnick was finally
caught and jailed for five years.
•He now runs a computer security consultant, Mitnick
12. Linus Torvalds
•Linus Torvalds is the other white hat hacker.
•On his QL machine he made his own Text Editor
program, even he made Pac-Man clone called Cool
man.
•In 1991, he has Intel 80836 PCs and began to create
Linux, the first has a limited license in its own
name, and then joined the GNU Project under the
GNU GPL.
•Torvalds did not originally intend to continue working
to build the kernel, because he considered it as a
hobby, but then said another history, and now Linux
operating system became the most familiar with
hackers and also the most secure ever available in the
13. • Perform required software updates for your operating system and
web browser.
• Install a firewall on your computer.
• Change your passwords every month.
• Purchase or download anti-virus software.
• Install anti-spyware/adware programs onto your system.
• Delete emails from unknown sources.
