Hacking refers to activities aimed at exploiting security flaws to obtain personal or private information without authorization. A typical hacker will identify a target system, gather information about it, find a security loophole, exploit that loophole using hacking software to access the system without authorization, and then delete traces of their access. Hackers target systems for reasons like stealing credit card or identity information, accessing business information, or proving their skills. Hacking can result in significant financial losses for companies and the loss of private data. Countries with the most hackers include the United States, China, Turkey, Russia, and others.