Hacking is the exploitation of vulnerabilities and weaknesses in phone or computer systems. Hackers can use this to steal data, spy on you/your contacts, install backdoors and even cause other malicious actions. Often, hackers are only interested in making money and will even publish embarrassing/sensitive information about you online to do so.
They can also infect your device or phone with virus that makes the device slow, and susceptible to error messages or even recording conversations on it! They are also known as trojans and are often hidden in music files photographs, games, free downloads and toolbars, as well as other apps. Another way people can be infected with trojans is when they click on an untrusted download link or open an infected file in an email. Hackers are also able to locate unsecured websites and upload trojans to them to infect as many people as they can. Remote administration tools (RATs) are a new form of hacking. These tools give the attacker complete control over the victim’s computer.
In films, hackers are experts in guessing passwords, however in reality, they use malware to get around this. It could be a trojan that stores the passwords you type or a piece software that allows the hacker to use your phone’s microphone to listen in on conversations.
The majority of successful hacking attempts start with phishing texts or emails that lure you into clicking on hyperlinks or calling numbers. This could lead to an intruder having complete access to your computer or phone or private information, and it can be avoided by always confirming who is sending you a message prior to you choose to download, call or click anything. It is also essential to regularly update your operating system, and to scan/delete all attachments prior to downloading them.