The A to Z of security

Hackers

Hacking doesn't just mean breaking into computer systems - it can refer to any action that achieves an outcome by deviating from the intended path.

Computer hackers write, use and modify software to break into computer systems - often exploiting flaws in another programmer's code. The security troubles that have dogged Microsoft's Internet Explorer web browser, for instance, are caused by hackers writing pieces of code that exploit vulnerabilities in IE's code, enabling them to use the browser as a springboard to carry out a malicious action - such as hijacking a user's PC.

Security from A to Z

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A is for Antivirus
B is for Botnets
C is for CMA
D is for DDoS
E is for Extradition
F is for Federated identity
G is for Google
H is for Hackers
I is for IM
J is for Jaschan (Sven)
K is for Kids
L is for Love Bug
M is for Microsoft
N is for Neologisms
O is for Orange
P is for Passwords
Q is for Questions
R is for Rootkits
S is for Spyware
T is for Two-factor authentication
U is for USB sticks/devices
V is for Virus variants
W is for Wi-fi
X is for OS X
Y is for You
Z is for Zero-day

Although many hackers are malicious - intending to cause disruption or hijack PCs for their own ends - some can simply be out for the challenge of cracking a particular security system. In the corporate world, so-called ethical (or professional) hackers are even employed to probe corporate security systems for flaws - a business known as penetration testing. This year, the UK's first ethical hacking degree was launched by the University of Abertay in Dundee in response to industry demand for IT security experts.

Notable not-so-ethical hackers include Gary McKinnon, the 'Nasa hacker' and Kevin Mitnick, who served five years in jail for his hacking exploits. Since being released from jail, Mitnick has carved a career for himself in the security industry - a path followed by many former hackers.

A recent update to the UK's Computer Misuse Act has increased the maximum jail term for hacking a computer from six months to two years.