What term describes the practice of accessing systems or networks illegally to exploit vulnerabilities?

The practice of accessing systems or networks illegally to exploit vulnerabilities is known as hacking. Hacking encompasses various techniques and methods employed to bypass security measures or gain unauthorized access to computer systems or networks, often with the intent to steal information, disrupt services, or perform other malicious activities. This term broadly covers a variety of actions, from ethical hacking (performed by security professionals to find vulnerabilities) to malicious hacking (criminal activities).

Phishing refers to a method of attempting to acquire sensitive information by masquerading as a trustworthy entity, typically through deceptive emails or messages. While it’s related to cybersecurity threats, it specifically deals with tricking individuals rather than exploiting system vulnerabilities.

Penetration testing is a legitimate and authorized process where security professionals simulate attacks on systems to identify and fix vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by malicious actors. Although it involves hacking techniques, it is done legally and with permission.

Scamming generally refers to fraudulent schemes aimed at deceiving individuals for financial gain and does not specifically denote unauthorized access to networks or systems.

In summary, hacking encompasses the unauthorized and often illegal breach of systems, making it the correct term for accessing systems or networks to exploit their vulnerabilities.