Computer Hacking By Temeika Williams - American Military Uni

Computer hacking Temeika Williams American Military University Professor

Computer hacking is an issue affecting corporations and individuals in this age of technology. Computer hacking is identifying weaknesses in a computer, computer applications, or even network, exploiting the security to gain unauthorized access to personal information or business data. There are different types of computer hacking; some are complex, while others are simple. For instance, they are using cracking algorithms for passwords to gain computer access.

Businesses and organizations depend on computers to run smoothly. For more efficiency, computers need to be networked for organizational communication instead of isolated. Due to the connection of these computers, they are exposed to outside attacks and hacking. System hacking is used to commit fraudulent acts by using the computer. These fraudulent acts include invasion of privacy, fraud, and stealing personal and corporate data.

Computer hacking is termed illegal. However, it is not unlawful when licensed and done within the law. This is because computer hacking has negative impacts, especially when done illegally. After all, it costs the organizations when data is stolen. Privacy is a fundamental human right; when computer hacking happens, and personal information is stolen, it deprives that person of the right to privacy.

There are several topics in computer hacking, including the types of hacking, ethical hacking, and the legality of ethical hacking, among others. These topics and subtopics help us understand computer hacking better and how it impacts life. Some of the impacts of computer hacking on the organization is the loss of competitive secrets used by the business. When computer hacking happens, the company is likely to lose data. This data includes many things, such as the secrets used by the industry to remain unique in the market.

These can consist of formulas of a company or its ingredients or chemical combinations depending on the products. There is ethical hacking. It is legal because it is meant for the good of the company or the individual. This is where the weakness of the computer is exploited so that it can be fixed. The weaknesses are identified through hacking the computer. This enables the specialist to develop countermeasures that help improve the weaknesses. There are rules followed when ethical hacking is done. One must get written permission from the computer system or network owner before hacking is done. This helps ensure one's privacy is not invaded when hacking is done without consent. If an organization is being hacked, its confidentiality must be protected.

The ethical hacker must protect the company's privacy to ensure it does not cost the organization. There is also a rule on transparently reporting all identified weaknesses in the organization. The ethical hacker must report all the weaknesses after they have identified them. It is also compulsory to inform software and hardware vendors about the identified weaknesses. Ethical hacking is essential because it is essential to store information safely. This is because data is critical in any organization. Organizations use the information to make decisions and create strategies. Therefore, organizations aim to ensure security by exposing the computer's weaknesses so they can be fixed.

When fake hacking happens, organizations that deal in finance can lose money; therefore, ethical hacking ensures these organizations are a step ahead. The ethical hacker must abide by all the rules for the hacking to be moral. Some people hack into systems without authorization to identify weaknesses and expose these weaknesses to the organization. Although this hacker might not have malice or ill intent, this hacking is illegal. It leaves the organization unsure of the amount of data that was exposed. Also, the person hacking has already violated the privacy of the individual or the corporation.

Paper For Above instruction

Computer hacking has emerged as a significant challenge in the digital age, affecting organizations and individuals worldwide. It involves exploiting vulnerabilities within computer systems, networks, or applications to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data or disrupt operations. This essay explores the nature of computer hacking, its various types, ethical considerations, and the profound impact it has on society and business.

Understanding the anatomy of hacking is crucial. Hackers employ diverse techniques, ranging from simple password cracking algorithms to sophisticated exploits targeting system vulnerabilities. These malicious actors can be broadly categorized into groups such as black hats, who pursue illegal objectives like data theft and sabotage; gray hats, who identify vulnerabilities without malicious intent but often without authorization; and white hats, ethical hackers working to strengthen cybersecurity (Holt, 2020). The methods they use include malware deployment such as viruses, worms, and Trojan horses, social engineering tactics, and exploiting network flaws (Kumar & Agarwal, 2018).

The consequences of hacking are severe. Organizations risk losing proprietary information, financial assets, and customer trust. For instance, data leaks can reveal trade secrets, formulas, or chemical compositions critical to a company's competitive edge. The breach of confidential information can irreparably damage a company's reputation and operational integrity. Moreover, hacking can lead to financial losses, legal penalties, and regulatory sanctions. Therefore, cybersecurity measures are imperative to detect and prevent unauthorized access (Kennedy, Holt, & Cheng, 2019).

In response to malicious hacking, ethical hacking, also known as penetration testing, has gained prominence. Ethical hackers operate under strict legal frameworks, obtaining written permission before attempting to identify and rectify system vulnerabilities. This proactive approach helps organizations strengthen their defenses and preempt malicious attacks. Ethical hacking adheres to principles of transparency; vulnerabilities discovered are reported to relevant parties, including system vendors, to facilitate rectification (Gutierrez et al., 2018). Such practices are vital, given the increasing reliance on digital infrastructure for critical functions.

Legally, hacking without authorization constitutes cybercrime and is subject to substantial penalties under laws like the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA) in the United States. While ethical hacking is legal when conducted within authorized boundaries, unauthorized hacking, even with benign intentions, is a criminal offense that can lead to prosecution (Holmes, 2017). The challenge lies in distinguishing between malicious actors and ethical testers, emphasizing the importance of legal frameworks and organizational policies.

The impact of hacking extends beyond corporate data. It poses national security threats, enabling espionage and cyber warfare. Governments and military agencies are increasingly targeted by advanced persistent threats (APTs), which are highly sophisticated hacking campaigns often attributed to nation-states (Williams, 2020). The proliferation of connected devices and Internet of Things (IoT) technology further broadens the attack surface, creating vulnerabilities across critical infrastructure sectors such as energy, healthcare, and transportation.

Preventive measures include deploying firewalls, intrusion detection systems, encryption, and multi-factor authentication. Regular security audits and employee training are also vital in reducing human error, which remains a significant vulnerability. Cybersecurity frameworks such as the NIST Cybersecurity Framework provide structured approaches to managing cybersecurity risks (National Institute of Standards and Technology, 2018). Such measures are essential in fostering resilience against the evolving landscape of cyber threats.

In conclusion, computer hacking presents a complex challenge that necessitates a multi-faceted response. Ethical hacking and stringent security protocols are vital in defending against cyber threats, safeguarding privacy, and maintaining organizational integrity. As hackers develop new methods, continuous vigilance, technological innovation, and robust legal frameworks will be crucial in combating this digital menace and ensuring a secure cyberspace for all.

References

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