History of Hacking, Types of Hacker and Cybercrimes

 

# HISTORY OF HACKING

Hacking is not just about computers. It started with phone operators and train sets. They found loopholes and exploited them, for fun, fame, or other motives. Hacking is an art of changing something into what hackers desire it to be. From the late 1800s to the present day, hacking is a part of our history.

Timeline:

1.    1960s

Hacking began in a less serious manner, with hackers initially known as practical jokers. Authentic computer hackers emerged in the 1960s. Back then, computers were mainframes kept in controlled environments. Due to high operational costs, limited access was given to programmers. Smart students, especially those from MIT, developed "hacks," shortcuts for computing tasks.

2.    1970s

The 1970s marked a transition for hacking from jokes to serious endeavors. Hackers were intrigued by understanding the functioning of the wired world. In 1971, Vietnam veteran John Draper pioneered major hacking by enabling free phone calls, known as "Phreaking." Abbie Hoffman continued this trend with "The Youth International Party Line" newsletter. However, a central meeting place for hackers was lacking. In 1978, Randy Seuss and Ward Christiansen from Chicago established the first personal computer bulletin board system, still operational today.

3.    1980s-1990s

Hacking's seriousness peaked in the 1980s. The number of computer units in use soared during this period. In 1980, the U.S. had over a million units; by 1983, this figure exceeded 10 million, and by 1986, it surpassed 30 million. This exponential growth in computer usage characterized the 1980s.

                         Hackers have developed methods to exploit security holes in various computer systems. As protocols become updated, hackers probe them, constantly aiming to enhance computing security. The tendency of hackers to exploit societal vulnerabilities has led to spinoff categories like "cracking" for software cracking, "phreaking" for exploiting phone systems, and "social engineering" for manipulating human resources. Initially, hacking emerged from curiosity about system functionality, operation, and purpose.

Modern hackers may store multiple exploits, yet their role extends beyond this. Common misconceptions depict those defacing webpages or causing havoc as hackers, which is technically accurate – unauthorized computer access. However, hackers also uncover vulnerabilities that, if undisclosed, could jeopardize our computer-dependent society. They contribute to electronic communication regulation and devise solutions for societal ease.

Hackers are everywhere, including major corporations and small businesses. Some assist governments, while others exploit their skills maliciously. Stereotypes misrepresent hackers as a specific look, but they come from diverse backgrounds – different races, heights, lifestyles, and interests. Just as stereotypes don't define individuals in other realms, they can't for hackers. Claiming to be a hacker doesn't necessarily validate one's hacking prowess, yet not all claims are unfounded.

Commercialization of hacking is evident today, with bookstores offering books on hacking techniques, methods, and tricks. Whether these truly align with the classic definition of hacking is debatable, but they aim to empower individuals with hacking knowledge.

#TYPES OF HACKERS

A hacker is ideally a person who is skilled in information technology. He uses his technical knowledge to overcome an obstacle or sometimes even achieve a goal within a computerized system.

        Hackers, highly skilled, breach securities to gain unauthorized access—phones, tablets, computers, IoT devices, networks, or entire organizational networking systems. They exploit weaknesses in network security, capitalizing on technical or social vulnerabilities.

Exploiting technical weaknesses, hackers display remarkable prowess in leveraging software vulnerabilities and poor security practices. Their objective: unauthorized access or even injecting system-crumbling malware.

Social weaknesses serve as another avenue. Hackers employ social engineering, convincing privileged access holders to interact with malicious links, open infected files, or divulge personal information. This grants them entry into otherwise fortified infrastructures.

Over the internet, information is widely available. Individuals with enthusiasm can swiftly learn and adapt. What distinguishes hackers is their intent. They harness this knowledge to harm individuals, governments, or for personal gain, heightening their danger.

Hacker attack types differ across organizations. The attack's intensity and form rely on hackers' skill in identifying vulnerabilities and breaching security. Consequently, organizations are under pressure to maintain up-to-date cybersecurity precautions.

# CYBERCRIMES

Cybercrime involves criminal activity targeting or utilizing computers, computer networks, or networked devices. Cybercriminals, often hackers, predominantly seek monetary gains, though some instances aim to cause non-profit-driven harm, potentially for political or personal motives. These perpetrators could be individuals or organized entities, varying in technical expertise.

Types of cybercrime encompass various forms such as email and internet fraud, identity fraud, theft of financial data, cyberextortion, ransomware attacks, cryptojacking, cyberespionage, network compromise, copyright infringement, illegal gambling, online sale of prohibited items, and engagement with child pornography.

             Cybercriminal activities fall into two categories: those targeting computers with malware and those employing computers to execute different offenses. Malware attacks, like the infamous WannaCry incident of 2017, involve infecting systems with viruses or malware to steal data, conduct crimes, or cause damage. Another cybercrime form is phishing, where deceptive communications, such as emails, trick recipients into compromising security or revealing confidential data. Spear-phishing customizes these attempts for specific targets.

Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attacks represent another cybercrime type, overwhelming systems using excessive connection requests, sometimes involving compromised IoT devices. These attacks might serve as diversions for other cybercrimes. A notable instance was the 2017 DDoS attack on the UK National Lottery website.

            The impact of cybercrime is substantial. Reports suggest a rise in attacks, affecting both companies and individuals. Cybercrime often results in financial losses, eroded trust, and reputational damage. To mitigate risks, experts advise measures like keeping software updated, using strong passwords, refraining from opening attachments or clicking on suspicious links, and practicing caution when sharing personal information.

For a concise list of protective measures:

1. Maintain up-to-date software and operating systems.

2. Utilize and update antivirus software.

3. Employ robust passwords.

4. Avoid opening attachments from spam emails.

5. Refrain from clicking on links in suspicious emails or websites.

6. Share personal information only through secure channels.

7. Verify suspicious requests with companies directly.

8. Exercise caution when visiting websites, considering their URLs.

9. Regularly review bank statements.