hacking
v. uncountablev. the act of using a computer to get into someone else's private information without permission. It can also mean finding a clever way to solve a problem or change a system.
v. the practice of gaining unauthorised access to data in a system or computer. Often used to describe the act of modifying hardware or software to achieve a goal outside of the creator's original intent.
The company improved its security to prevent hacking.
After the recent hacking incident, the bank required all customers to change their passwords and enable two-step verification.
While ethical hacking involves identifying vulnerabilities to improve security, malicious actors use the same techniques to compromise sensitive infrastructure for financial gain or political disruption.
From Middle English *hackynge, hackande, hakand, equivalent to hack + -ing.
From Middle English hackynge, hakkynge, hacckinge, equivalent to hack + -ing.
Primarily used as an uncountable noun to describe the activity; when used as a verb, it is the present participle of 'hack'.