Exploit

Intruders often use vulnerabilities such as a glitch or bug, in order to command or cause unintended behavior in computer software, hardware and other electronic devices. This act often consists of seizing complete authority or causing havoc by launching a DOS or DDOS attack. Many strategies may be classified as exploits. The most common attacks are made against vulnerable software. This frequently happens over a network and takes advantage without any knowledge of the original user. Exploits may also be made against client applications. This usually requires interaction from an unknowing user and works with a social engineering process. Most of the time, a single exploit can only take advantage of software vulnerabilities. When it has been detected and made public, vulnerabilities are repaired through a patch and the exploit becomes ineffective to newer editions of the program. This is why some hackers will keep their methods secret in order to elude anti-virus procedures.