Hacking viruses are computer programs that can steal personal information and remotely control a system. They spread via peer-to-peer networks, emails and websites that offer downloadable content. You can avoid the risk of being hacked by updating your software, avoiding downloading unreliable sources, and staying away from vulnerable networks.

Hacking viruses are utilized by cybercriminals for a variety reasons. They might be looking to infect computers with keystroke loggers that record every word a device user typed, giving the perpetrator all the information they need to take their identity and gain access to bank accounts, credit card information and other valuable data. Or, they could use a compromised computer as part of a system known as a botnet which could be used to send out spam emails or launch attacks on other devices.

A virus could also be written to take over the functionality of a device by altering its homepage redirecting search queries an unwelcome web page or replacing the results returned by popular search engines. This kind of hacking could be described as a backdoor.

Hackers who were fascinated by finding low-tech methods to bypass secure telecommunications systems and expensive long distance calls were historically known as phreaks. Phreak is data room protection a combination of the words freak and phone. The majority of people who succumb to hacking viruses are not involved either with telecommunications or the tinkering of with technology. They are the unfortunate victims of hackers who exploit vulnerabilities in security systems built into them to steal sensitive personal information as well as disrupt others’ regular computer usage and inflict monetary damage on those they take advantage of.