Why is hacking a big threat to system security?

Hacking poses a significant threat to system security because it involves unauthorized access and manipulation of computer systems and networks. This can lead to a range of severe consequences including data theft, system disruption, financial losses, and privacy violations.

For example, hackers can steal sensitive personal or financial information, as detailed in the FBI Congressional Report on Cybercrime. They can also launch denial-of-service attacks, making systems unavailable to legitimate users, as noted in the "Anatomy of an attack" article in The Economist (February 19–25, 2000). The overall threat of cybercrime is described as "real and growing" by BBC News.

Such incidents not only compromise the integrity and confidentiality of data but also undermine trust in digital systems, causing significant economic and reputational damage. This pervasive threat is a central theme in works like Joseph Migga Kizza's Guide to Computer Network Security.