Hacking is exploiting vulnerabilities and weaknesses in phone or computer systems. This enables hackers to steal information, monitor you or your contacts, install backdoors and cause other malicious behaviour. Often, hackers are only interested in making money and will even publish embarrassing/sensitive information about you online to do so.

They may also cause a computer or phone to be infected with viruses, which cause it to slow down and be prone to errors. They can even record your conversations! These trojans, also known as trojans are often hidden in images, music files and games for free. They can also be found in toolbars, apps and even in toolbars themselves. Another way people can be affected by trojans is if they click on an untrusted download link or open a corrupted file in an email. Hackers can upload trojans to unsecure websites to infect as many users as possible. The latest form of hacking is called remote administration tools (RATs). These programs allow the attacker complete control of the victim’s computer.

In the films, hackers are masters of figuring out passwords for accounts – however, in reality, they usually use malware instead. This can be malware that stores the passwords you enter or a trojan which allows hackers to listen to the conversations you have with the microphone on your phone.

The majority of successful hacking attempts start with phishing messages or texts that lure you into clicking right data room on hyperlinks or calling numbers. This could result in a scammer being given all access to your phone or computer or personal data and it can be avoided by ensuring you know who is sending you a message before you click, call or download anything. It is also important to update your operating system regularly and check/delete attachments prior to you download them.