How to hack someone or something

This question is often asked of us, but we do not condone hacking because it is (for the most part) illegal. While there is ethical hacking, which is legal, most people want to learn to hack for nefarious purposes (also known as black hat hacking). For these reasons, we do not assist users in any learning process that involves hacking. The biggest issue is that ethical and illegal hacking involves the same coding, cracking, and networking expertise. As such, Computer Hope can't provide hacking lessons.

Hacking a computer to view or steal protected information may feel like an accomplishment, but at the end of the day, the cons far outweigh the pros. As you might assume, taking information that doesn't belong to you can get you fined or sent to prison. Instead of doing anything illegal, try learning an alternative operating system (e.g., Linux), setting up computer networks, reading security news, or learning a programming language. These exercises are beneficial and a more productive use of your time. They also give you a more in-depth understanding of computers and security.

If you still insist on learning to hack, try breaking into your home network. That way, you don't have to worry about getting in trouble. Hacking your network helps you learn about its potential vulnerabilities and teaches you how to defend yourself from hackers, a valuable skill. Also, we recommend taking a training course on ethical hacking to keep you on track with white hat activities and assist you in getting a computer security-related job.

Below are additional questions and answers that relate to hacking.

If I hack a large company, wouldn't I become famous?

Although hackers like Kevin Mitnick and John Draper (aka Cap'n Crunch) have gained notoriety from hacking in the past, most hackers are never famous. If a hacker becomes famous, it's because they're in court, going to prison, or a fugitive from the law. If you're a malicious hacker, you would want to remain anonymous rather than become famous.

I lost my password and need to hack my online account, router, or computer

Apart from the solutions listed on Computer Hope for retrieving or bypassing BIOS (basic input/output system) passwords, operating system passwords, and some application passwords, we do not help anyone break passwords.

Online services, like Facebook, Gmail, Microsoft Hotmail, Twitter, and Yahoo, have account recovery systems. Often, passwords can be reset or sent to you by answering a secret question or providing the e-mail address used to register for the service. If you cannot recover your password using these systems, you might try contacting the company directly or consider abandoning the account entirely.

• How to reset a lost or forgotten Windows password.
• I forgot my Facebook password.
• What is a safe way to remember my passwords?
• Help and information on computer passwords.
• How to reset a forgotten username and password on a router.
• Help and information on computer passwords.
• Computer Hope forums password authentication reminder.

I need to hack someone because they hacked or scammed me

If someone is causing you grief or harming you or your computer, report the abuse to the company handling the person's Internet connection or e-mail. Attempting to hack the person in retaliation likely only escalates your problems. Furthermore, it is also possible that a hacker uses someone else's computer to attack you. If you go after them, you could cause problems for the wrong person.

I need to hack my spouse's computer to see if they are cheating

Relationships are built on trust and communication. If you believe your spouse or partner is cheating, confront them regarding the issue. Attempting to hack or spy on your partner loses their trust and causes a broken relationship, especially if they are not cheating.

Finally, even though you may be spying or hacking a spouse, it's still considered illegal, and if caught by your spouse or someone else, you could be convicted of a crime.

I want to learn to hack so I can know more about computers

You do not need to learn to be a hacker to learn more about computers. There are plenty of resources online and in books to teach you everything you want to know about computers, networks, and security.

• How to learn more about computers.
• Linux and Unix shell tutorial.
• How to use the Windows command line (DOS).
• What computer books would you recommend reading?

I need to hack a computer access to something

If you are blocked from particular sites or services on the Internet, it is probably for a good reason. Attempting to break or bypass those protective measures causes additional trouble when caught. If you believe these actions are a misunderstanding, contact the company or administrator in charge and plead your case.

Can I hack from any computer?

Yes, it's possible to hack another computer from any computer as long as it has network (Internet) access. You could hack from an Apple Mac computer, PC, Chromebook, or smartphone.

Can't I make money from hacking?

Some hackers have scammed people and companies out of money. However, when caught (and you will eventually get caught), you end up owing more than you ever make. You'd be more successful and earn more money in learning a computer skill, such as programming or web development, than you would with hacking.

I already know everything mentioned above

If you already consider yourself a computer expert and still want a place to put your skills to work, try the following:

• Bug bounty - Look for bugs in software and online services and get paid making things more secure.
• OWASP - Consider joining the OWASP (Open Worldwide Application Security Project) and work on helping to create no more insecure software.