As computer use becomes more common, the need for security is more important than ever. One of thegreatest security threats in the online world is computer hacking.
    Computer hacking is the unauthorized access to a computer or network of computers. Hackers, those peoplewho illegally enter systems, may alter or delete information, steal private information, or spread viruses that candamage or destroy files. But how exactly can a hacker get into a system to do these things?
     Most hackers use information called protocols that are built into computer software. These protocols allowcomputers to interact with one another. Protocols are sort of like computer police officers. When a computerconnects to another system, the protocols check to see if the access is valid. The protocols can also determinehow much information can be shared between the two systems. Hackers can manipulate the protocols to getunlimited access to a computer system. In fact, just the act of entering a computer network is considered hacking.This is commonly called passive hacking. Passive hackers get a rush from just being able to access a challengingsystem like a bank or military network. Hackers that do damage to a system by releasing viruses or altering,deleting, or taking information are known as active hackers; they are, by far, the more dangerous of the two.
     The easiest way to protect a system is with a good password. Long and unusual passwords are harder forhackers to guess. For even greater security, some online services now use “password-plus” systems. In this case,users first put in a password and then put in a second code that changes after the user accesses the site. Userseither have special cards or devices that show them the new code to use the next time. So if a hacker steals thepassword, they won’t have the code. Or if the hacker somehow gets the code, they still don’t know the password.
76 What is considered hacking?
(A) releasing a virus
(B) illegally accessing a computer
(C) stealing private information
(D) all of the above