What do hackers actually do?

Computer hackers are unauthorized users who break into computer systems in order to steal, change or destroy information, often by installing dangerous malware without your knowledge or consent. Their clever tactics and detailed technical knowledge help them access the information you really don't want them to have.
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Who is the No 1 hacker in world?

Kevin Mitnick is the world's authority on hacking, social engineering, and security awareness training. In fact, the world's most used computer-based end-user security awareness training suite bears his name. Kevin's keynote presentations are one part magic show, one part education, and all parts entertaining.
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What are the point of hackers?

Hackers are those who use a computer system to obtain unauthorized access to another system for data or those who make another system unavailable. These hackers use their skills for a particular goal, such as gaining fame by bringing down a computer system, stealing money, or making a network unavailable.
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What do hackers usually want?

Social security numbers are the main target - they are worth much more to identity thieves to commit miscellaneous crimes pretending to be someone else. Hackers can open new credit and bank accounts, commit tax fraud, access brokerage accounts, get medical treatment or even apply for various benefits.
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How do hackers choose their victims?

For the majority, the incentive is simple and somewhat unsurprising: money. Most hackers will be focused on growing their personal wealth, that is why they will often resort to blackmailing their victims through ransomware or using various phishing techniques to trick them into making a bogus financial transfer.
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How hacking actually looks like.



What can block hackers?

How to secure your computer from hackers
  • Use a firewall. ...
  • Install antivirus software. ...
  • Install an anti-spyware package. ...
  • Use complex passwords. ...
  • Keep your OS, apps and browser up-to-date. ...
  • Ignore spam. ...
  • Back up your computer. ...
  • Shut it down.
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Why do hackers wear hoodies?

Hoodies and other stereotypes -- like a hacker in a basement, or young geniuses taking on the man without their parents' knowledge -- are rooted in authenticity. For instance, the phrase "script-kiddie" is used to describe people who take code written by other people and use it to launch their own hacks.
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Do hackers earn money?

Money Money Money

Of course, the easiest way for a hacker to make money would be to become a penetration tester. Penetration testing is basically ethical, licensed hacking. You can earn good money and get great job satisfaction without the falling foul of the law.
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How do hackers think?

Regardless of what type of hacker a person is, identifying system weaknesses requires logical reasoning and the ability to systematically think through possible actions, alternatives, and potential conclusions. This combination of reasoning and systematic thinking implies the use of mental models.
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Is Anonymous illegal?

It is not illegal to join Anonymous because you cannot join. Officially, there is nothing to join, although the collective does provide instructions on joining.
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Has Google ever been hacked?

The most recent Google data breach occurred in December 2018, when a bug exposed the data of 52.5 million Google+ users. This came just two months after another Google+ data breach came to light. In response to these two incidents, Google closed down Google+ in April 2019.
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Is it hard to be a hacker?

Computer security is becoming more and more advanced, and computer systems are complicated, so it is a more difficult task to attack or intrude into well-established computer networks. In this respect, hacking is more difficult and requires greater expertise compared to 20 years ago.
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How long does it take to become a hacker?

It can take anywhere from 18 months to six years to learn. If you are starting with no relevant hacking or coding skills, it will likely take six years. However, if you already know how to code, you can complete a certified ethical hacker (CEH) course and test in as little as five days.
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Are hackers coders?

A coder is anyone who uses a programming language, usually low-level like C++. A hacker is a technocratic, elitist or obfuscatory coder.
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Can hackers see your deleted search history?

In technical terms, your deleted browsing history can be recovered by unauthorized parties, even after you cleared them.
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Can a hacker control my phone?

Skilled hackers can take over a hacked smartphone and do everything from making overseas phone calls, sending texts, and using your phone's browser to shop on the Internet. Since they're not paying your smartphone bill, they don't care about exceeding your data limits.
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Does a VPN protect you from hackers?

How does a VPN prevent hacking? By redirecting your internet traffic to disguise your IP address, it makes it impossible to track you. And by encrypting the information you send across the internet; it stops anyone who wants to intercept your information from being able to read it.
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How many hours do hackers work?

Typically, you'd work around 40 hours a week – but this can vary depending on the client and the job.
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Is it easier to hack a phone or computer?

Mandia tells CNBC that for hackers, the competing Android platform is “a little bit more open so there's a little bit more ways”. But the reason mobile is more difficult for hackers to break through is, “you can't find those mobile devices via IP [Internet protocol] addresses like you can find a server at a company.
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Who most legendary hacker in the world?

Top 10 Most Notorious Hackers of All Time
  • Kevin Mitnick. A seminal figure in American hacking, Kevin Mitnick got his career start as a teen. ...
  • Anonymous. ...
  • Adrian Lamo. ...
  • Albert Gonzalez. ...
  • Matthew Bevan and Richard Pryce. ...
  • Jeanson James Ancheta. ...
  • Michael Calce. ...
  • Kevin Poulsen.
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Is YouTube safe from hackers?

Hackers may use emails, text messages, or web pages to pretend to be institutions, family members, or colleagues. YouTube will never ask you for your password, email address, or other account information. Don't be fooled if someone gets in touch with you pretending to be from YouTube.
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Can YouTube get hacked?

The signs of YouTube hacking can be recognized by those who know what they're looking for. The first red flag is not being able to sign in with your usual login information. This can be particularly worrying if you have other Google accounts because you use the same password to access different services.
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