Computer hacking: definition, techniques and solutions for better understanding and protection

Definition and etymology

Computer hacking refers to all actions aimed at exploiting the flaws in a computer system. The term comes from the word “hack”, which initially meant “to tinker with” or “to manipulate”. Today, it encompasses a variety of activities, ranging from improving systems for legitimate purposes to malicious uses to steal data or cause damage.

Hacking is not necessarily illegal. There are several forms of hacking, some of which, such as ethical hacking, are essential to strengthen the cybersecurity of companies and protect sensitive data.

History

The concept of hacking dates back to the 1960s. The first hackers were students at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where the term referred to innovative and clever solutions. At that time, hacking was synonymous with creativity and technical skill.

However, from the 1980s onwards, with the democratization of personal computers and the rise of the Internet, hacking took on a more negative connotation. Famous attacks such as the Morris worm in 1988 drew attention to the dangers of computer hacking.

Public perception

Today, computer hacking oscillates between two opposing perceptions:

• Positive: Some see hacking as an essential tool for testing and improving system security, particularly thanks to the work of ethical hackers.
• Negative: Others associate it with cybercrime, with activities such as data theft or ransomware attacks.

The media often contributes to this ambiguity by highlighting emblematic figures such as Kevin Mitnick, a former hacker who became a cybersecurity consultant.

Types of hackers and their motivations

Ethical hackers (White Hat)

Ethical hackers, or White Hat hackers, are cybersecurity experts who use their skills to protect computer systems. They play a crucial role in the fight against cyberattacks. These professionals test systems for vulnerabilities to prevent malicious intrusions.

Role and missions of ethical hackers

• Penetration testing: They simulate attacks to identify vulnerabilities before they are exploited.
• System improvement: Thanks to their audits, they strengthen companies’ IT security.
• Education and awareness: Some ethical hackers participate in training or prevention campaigns.

Notable examples

Figures such as Katie Moussouris, a pioneer of “bug bounty” programs, and Marc Maiffret, known for having discovered critical flaws in Windows, illustrate the positive impact of ethical hackers.

Malicious hackers (Black Hat)

In contrast to White Hats, Black Hat hackers engage in illegal activities for a variety of reasons: financial gain, sabotage or espionage.

Objectives and methods of malicious hackers

• Theft of sensitive data: Hacking into databases to obtain confidential information.
• Ransomware: Encrypting data in exchange for a ransom.
• Phishing: Scams targeting users to steal their login details.
• DDoS attacks: Overloading servers to make services unavailable.

Famous cases

• Albert Gonzalez: Hacker responsible for the theft of millions of pieces of banking data.
• The Yahoo attack (2013): One of the biggest data thefts, affecting 3 billion accounts.

Intermediate hackers (Grey Hat)

Grey Hats are somewhere between White Hats and Black Hats. They exploit vulnerabilities without authorization, but often without malicious intent.

Behavior and ethics

• Ambiguous actions: They identify vulnerabilities with the aim of alerting companies, but their actions do not always respect legal frameworks.
• Possible consequences: Despite their intentions, their actions may result in legal proceedings.

Hacktivists

Hacktivists use their hacking skills to defend social, political or environmental causes.

Definition and motivations

• Targeted actions: They carry out cyberattacks to denounce injustices or raise public awareness.
• Common tools: Denial of service (DDoS), leaking confidential information.

Examples of groups

• Anonymous: Known for their attacks on governments or multinationals.
• LulzSec: Focused on data leaks to expose vulnerabilities.

Common hacking techniques and methods

Social engineering

Social engineering relies on psychological manipulation to encourage individuals to disclose sensitive information. This method exploits human weakness, which is often more vulnerable than technical systems.

Phishing and identity theft

• Phishing: Hackers send emails or messages pretending to be legitimate entities in order to steal login details or banking information.
  Common example: An email claiming to be from a bank, requesting urgent update of account information.
• Spear phishing: A targeted version of phishing, aimed at specific individuals, such as senior executives.

Other manipulation techniques

• Pretexting: Creating fictitious scenarios to convince victims to share information.
• Baiting: Luring victims in with a promise, such as a free download, to install malware.

Software exploits and vulnerabilities

An exploit refers to the use of a software flaw to take control of a system or perform unauthorized actions.

How do exploits work?

1. Identifying a vulnerability: Hackers look for flaws in software, such as bugs or configuration errors.
2. Developing an exploit: They design a code or script to exploit this flaw.
3. Executing the attack: This can include data theft or system disruption.

Famous cases

• Heartbleed: A flaw in the OpenSSL library that compromised the security of millions of websites.
• EternalBlue: Used by the WannaCry ransomware to infect thousands of computers.

Malware

Malware is any software designed to damage or infiltrate systems.

Types of malware

• Virus: Attach themselves to files or programs to spread.
• Ransomware: Encrypt the victim’s data, demanding a ransom for its return.
  Example: The WannaCry attack in 2017.
• Spyware: Monitors the user’s activities, often without their knowledge.
• Trojan horses: Conceal their malicious intent under the guise of a legitimate program.

DoS and DDoS attacks

Denial of service (DoS) and distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks aim to saturate servers to make them unavailable.

How it works

• DoS: A single machine sends a high volume of requests.
• Distributed denial of service (DDoS): Use of several machines (often botnets) to attack simultaneously.

Recent examples

• The DDoS attack against GitHub in 2018, considered one of the largest in history.

How ethical hacking works

Registration and training process

Ethical hacking is an essential discipline in the fight against cyberthreats. It is a professional field requiring in-depth IT expertise and solid training.

How to become an ethical hacker?

1. Studies and certifications:
   • An ethical hacker must master concepts in cybersecurity, networks and programming.
   • Recognized certifications include:
     • CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker): The most popular certification for ethical hackers.
     • OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional): Focused on practical intrusion testing.
2. Specialized training:
   • Numerous institutions offer online or face-to-face training.
   • Platforms such as Cybrary and Udemy offer accessible courses.

Training organizations and programs

• SANS Institute: Global benchmark for cybersecurity training.
• Bug bounty platforms: Platforms such as HackerOne and Bugcrowd allow ethical hackers to learn while solving real-world problems.

Skill acquisition

Ethical hacking requires a combination of technical and analytical skills.

Essential programming languages

An ethical hacker should know:

• Python: Ideal for automating tasks.
• JavaScript: Useful for identifying vulnerabilities in web applications.
• C and C++: Crucial for understanding operating systems.
• SQL: Important for detecting flaws in databases (e.g. SQL injection).

Knowledge of networks and systems

• Networks: Ethical hackers must understand how protocols such as TCP/IP and DNS work.
• Operating systems: A knowledge of Linux is essential, as this OS is often used for intrusion tests.

Hacking tools and functions

Vulnerability scanners

Vulnerability scanners are essential tools for hackers, whether ethical or malicious. They can be used to identify flaws in systems, software or networks.

How scanners work

1. Analysis of systems: They inspect configurations to identify weak points.
2. Detailed report: Once the vulnerabilities have been identified, a report is generated with recommendations for correction.

Examples of popular tools

• Nessus: The benchmark in vulnerability analysis.
• OpenVAS: An open source alternative offering similar functionalities.
• Qualys: Ideal for large companies with complex networks.

Network packet analyzers

Packet analyzers allow you to monitor and examine network traffic in detail. These tools are essential for understanding system behavior and detecting suspicious activity.

Role in hacking

• Monitoring: Identify unsecured data flows.
• Vulnerability detection: Analyze exchanges to identify vulnerabilities, such as unencrypted passwords.

Common tools

• Wireshark: A leader in network analysis, it allows complete visualization of transmitted packets.
• tcpdump: A command line tool, perfect for quick analysis.

Exploit Kits

Exploit kits bring together preconfigured tools to exploit known vulnerabilities in systems or software.

Definition and use

• Objective: Automate attacks to take control of systems.
• Users: Mainly black hats, but some ethical hackers use them for controlled tests.

Examples of well-known kits

• Angler Exploit Kit: Used to distribute ransomware.
• Nuclear Kit: Used in large-scale phishing campaigns.

Penetration test frameworks

Penetration test frameworks are designed to simulate attacks in order to evaluate the security of systems.

Main objectives

1. Evaluate robustness: Identify vulnerabilities before they are exploited.
2. Improve security: Propose appropriate solutions after the analysis.

Examples of frameworks

• Metasploit: One of the most widely used frameworks, capable of scanning and exploiting vulnerabilities.
• Cobalt Strike: Very popular for advanced attack simulations.
• OWASP ZAP: Ideal for testing the security of web applications.

Recent developments and trends in hacking

Evolution of hacking techniques

Hacking is constantly evolving with technological advances. Hackers are constantly adapting their methods to circumvent modern security measures.

New methods of attack

1. Attacks based on artificial intelligence (AI)
   • AI is now used to automate attacks and analyze large amounts of data quickly.
   • Example: Creation of extremely realistic phishing emails thanks to natural language processing (NLP).
2. Deepfakes
   • Use of fake videos or images to manipulate information or deceive targets.
   • Increased risk in corporate fraud, such as bank transfer scams.
3. Attacks on the IoT (Internet of Things)
   • Connected objects, such as surveillance cameras and smart home devices, have become prime targets.
   • These devices often have security flaws due to default configurations or outdated software.

Adaptation to modern technologies

Impact of cloud computing

• Increased risk: With the widespread adoption of cloud services, hackers are targeting poorly secured configurations and exposed API keys.
• Example: The attack on Capital One in 2019, where sensitive information stored on AWS was compromised.

Threats to blockchains and cryptocurrencies

• Theft of cryptocurrencies: Hackers exploit flaws in digital wallets or smart contracts.
• Example: The hacking of Poly Network in 2021, where $600 million was stolen.
• 51% attacks: Temporary control of the majority of a blockchain network to manipulate transactions.

Regulations and legislation

In the face of these developments, governments and international organizations are strengthening legislative frameworks.

Current legal framework

1. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
   • Imposed by the European Union, the GDPR protects user data and requires companies to report security breaches.
2. Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act (CISA)
   • An American law encouraging the sharing of threat information between the government and private companies.

International initiatives

• Global collaboration: Organizations such as Interpol and Europol are working together to track down cybercriminals.
• International standards: The ISO 27001 standard is a recognized framework for establishing information security management systems.

Conclusion

Summary of points discussed

Computer hacking is a complex subject, combining innovation, threat and necessity. It encompasses a variety of approaches, motivations and tools that shape our relationship with technology and digital security.

• We explored the types of hackers, from White Hats, key players in cybersecurity, to Black Hats and their malicious practices.
• Techniques and tools, such as exploits and malware, demonstrate the extent to which hacking relies on technical expertise and the ability to exploit system vulnerabilities.
• Ethical hacking is becoming an essential pillar in anticipating cyberattacks, thanks to intrusion tests and bug bounty programs.
• Finally, the analysis of future trends and challenges highlights the importance of increased vigilance in the face of innovations such as AI, IoT and 5G.

The importance of education and awareness

In an increasingly digital world, education and awareness play a key role in minimizing the risks associated with hacking:

1. For individuals:
   • Learn to recognize phishing attempts.
   • Use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication (2FA).
2. For businesses:
   • Train their employees in good cybersecurity practices.
   • Invest in regular security audits.
3. For governments:
   • Strengthen cybersecurity regulations.
   • Collaborate with international entities to fight cyberthreats.

Simple measures to protect yourself

• Install antivirus and protection software.
• Regularly update software and operating systems.
• Avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading unverified files.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about computer hacking

What is computer hacking?

Computer hacking refers to all the techniques used to circumvent or penetrate the security systems of a computer device or network. Hackers have different motivations: some seek to exploit vulnerabilities for malicious purposes, while others, known as ethical hackers, test the robustness of systems to strengthen them.

What types of hackers are there?

Hackers are generally divided into three main categories:

• White Hat: Ethical hackers who test and secure computer systems with the owners’ permission.
• Black Hat: Malicious hackers who infiltrate systems without authorization, often for personal gain or to cause damage.
• Grey Hat: Hackers who fall somewhere between the previous two, who can act without authorization but without malicious intent, sometimes reporting the flaws they discover.

What are the most common hacking techniques?

The techniques frequently used by hackers include:

• Phishing: Sending fraudulent messages to induce victims to divulge sensitive information.
• Malware: Malicious software designed to infiltrate and damage systems.
• Brute force attacks: Repeated attempts to guess passwords by trying numerous combinations.
• Social engineering: Psychological manipulation of individuals to obtain confidential information.

How can you protect yourself against hacking?

To strengthen your computer security, it is recommended that you:

• Use strong passwords and change them regularly.
• Update your software and operating systems to fix known vulnerabilities.
• Install security solutions such as antivirus and firewalls.
• Be vigilant with regard to suspicious emails and links to avoid phishing.
• Regularly back up your data to prevent loss in the event of an attack.

Is hacking illegal?

Hacking is illegal when it involves unauthorized access to computer systems, resulting in criminal penalties. However, ethical hacking, practiced with the permission of the system owners in order to strengthen security, is legal and even encouraged in the context of cybersecurity.

What is a denial of service (DoS) attack?

A denial of service attack aims to make a system or network unavailable by overwhelming it with requests, thus preventing legitimate users from accessing it. When it is carried out from several sources simultaneously, it is called a distributed denial of service (DDoS) attack.

What is the difference between a virus and malware?

The term “malware” encompasses all types of malicious software, including viruses, worms, Trojan horses, ransomware, etc. A virus is a specific type of malware that replicates itself by infecting other programs or files.

What is social engineering in hacking?

Social engineering is a technique of psychological manipulation used by hackers to encourage individuals to divulge confidential information or to carry out compromising actions, often by pretending to be a trustworthy person.

How do hackers choose their targets?

Hackers select their targets according to various criteria, such as the vulnerability of the systems, the value of the potential data, or even ideological motivations. Some attacks are opportunistic, while others are carefully planned against specific targets.

What is ransomware?

Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts a victim’s files, rendering the data inaccessible, and demands a ransom in exchange for the decryption key. These attacks can cause major disruptions and significant financial losses.