Hacking is a crime made possible by a relatively new technology, which one of the reasons it is often poorly understood and reported. Many computers, but no means all, are now linked together in networks which allow users on one computer to communicate with others on the same network. If a computer is not networked, no manipulation of its data from another machine is possible. So long as users are authorised, networking is just a way of makung work easier and more productive. Hacking on the other hand, is the unauthorisexd use of networks or unauthorised entry into the computers themselves. Most people do not need to break into the networks they use since they aare already accredited users.

computers are only vulerable to the unauthorised manipulation of their data via another computer if they are networked