How can I hack someone or something?

Question

How can I hack someone or something?

Answer

Because of the frequency this question has been asked in e-mail, on the forums and searched for on Computer Hope, we have decided to create a document for this question. If you are interested in hacking or want to hack someone or something for revenge, payback or to gain access to information, we suggest you reconsider.
Hacking or breaking into a computer to view or steal protected information will not resolve anything and will only cause additional issues, such as being fined or sent to prison.
If you're interested in hacking and computer security, instead of trying to break into someone else's computer, you should consider learning an alternative operating system such as Linux, setup and learn more about computer networks, read security bulletins, read security news, read security advisories and learn more about programming languages. If you continue to have the urge to try your hands at hacking after setting up your own network, you can experiment with hacking by trying to gain access to other computers on your network without having to fear getting in trouble with law enforcement.
Doing each of the above recommendations will give you a much better understanding of computers and security, and would give you a much better chance at getting a job with a security related company.
Below are additional questions and answers that relate to this same subject.

If I hack a large company wouldn't I be famous?

While it is true that some hackers such as Kevin Mitnick and John Draper (aka Cap'n Crunch) have gained a lot of notoriety from hacking, phreaking, and cracking, most hackers will never become known; and if they do happen to be mentioned in a press release or mentioned on the TV, it will be because they're in court or going to jail or prison.

I need to hack into my instant messenger, e-mail, firewall, or computer because I've lost my password.

Apart from the solutions already listed on Computer Hope for retrieving or bypassing BIOS passwords, operating system passwords, and some application passwords, we will not assist users in breaking or bypassing passwords.

Note: Online e-mail services such as Microsoft Hotmail, Gmail, Yahoo, etc. have password recovery systems already setup. Often, passwords can be reset or sent to you by answering a secret question or filling out your e-mail address you used to register the service. If you are unable to recover your password using the services provided by the company, you will either need to contact the company with additional recommendations, or consider abandoning the e-mail address.

• Complete information and links to information about computer passwords.

I need to hack someone because they hacked me, spammed me, or scammed me.

If someone is causing you grief or causing you or your computer intentional harm, you should report the abuse to the company handling the person's Internet connection or e-mail service. Attempting to hack the person or cause them grief is likely only going to escalate your problems.

I need to hack / break into my spouse's computer / e-mail to make sure they are not cheating.

Relationships are built on trust and communication; if you believe you spouse or partner is cheating on you, confront him or her regarding the issue. Attempting to hack or spy on your partner is only going to lose their trust and likely cause a broken relationship, especially if they were not cheating.

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

I need to hack into my computers / school computers so I can gain access to something I've been denied access to.

If you're blocked from particular sites or services on the Internet, it's likely for a good reason. Attempting to break or bypass those protective measures is only going to cause you additional trouble when caught.

Computer Hope will not help you bypass security measures that have been setup to block you from specific content.

Can't I make a lot of money from hacking?

Some hackers have been able to scam people and companies out of money. However, when caught (and you'll eventually get caught) you'll end up owing more than you'll ever make. You'd be a lot more successful and earn a lot more money in learning a computer skill such as computer programming, web development, or if you're interested in security becoming a white hat than you ever would with hacking.

Additional information

• See the hacker definition for further information and related links.
• Where do I find crackz, hackz and scriptz?
• How do I create a computer virus?