hacked

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hacked" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to unauthorized access to computer systems or data, often in discussions about cybersecurity or technology. Example: "The company's database was hacked last night, compromising sensitive customer information."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Tech

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Q There has been lots of news lately about sites being hacked and people stealing information.

The Guardian - Tech

Then the film-makers Sony Pictures were hacked by a group calling itself the Guardian's of Peace, who vowed to target anyone going to watch The Interview.

The Guardian

The government's press service said on Thursday that Medvedev's account had been hacked and that the account's security had since been strengthened.

The Guardian

Laptops and mobile phones had been hacked, and internet cafes installed and bugged.

The Guardian - Opinion

Morgan has repeatedly denied that he has ever hacked a phone or asked anyone else to do so.

The Guardian

Last year Sony was fined £250,000 after a "serious breach" of customer data after PlayStation network was hacked in 2011.

The Guardian - Tech

Frost, for example, was hacked at least twice daily by Evans because, like Yentob, she was deemed a particularly fruitful source of stories and was on his so-called "back pocket list" of targets.

The Guardian

MGN has admitted that 99 articles relating to the eight celebrities would not have been published without phones being hacked, the court heard.

The Guardian

Scotland Yard launched an investigation after members of the Prince of Wales' household became suspicious that mobile phones may have been hacked into.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

But if the sacred concept "independence" can only be guaranteed by royal charter, it might be worth the hacked-offers pausing for a moment to focus on the BBC (whose freedom surely matters just as much to us all).

The Guardian

In part, resentment about the way the Hacked-Off campaign seeks to dominate the debate.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hacked" in conjunction with specific details about the target or method of attack for clarity. Instead of saying "The system was hacked", specify "The company's database was hacked via a phishing attack".

Common error

Avoid using "hacked" loosely to describe any technical malfunction or error. "Hacked" specifically refers to unauthorized access or manipulation, not general system failures. For general technical problems, use terms like "malfunctioning" or "experiencing issues" to maintain accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The word "hacked" primarily functions as a past participle or adjective. It describes a state resulting from unauthorized access or manipulation, typically in the context of computer systems or digital information. Ludwig AI confirms that the word is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Tech

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "hacked" is a commonly used past participle and adjective, primarily functioning to describe unauthorized access or manipulation of computer systems and digital information. Ludwig AI indicates it is correct and usable in English. Its usage is frequent in news and media, technology discussions, and security contexts. While its register is generally neutral, it often carries a connotation of seriousness due to its association with security breaches and cybercrime. Alternatives include "compromised" and "breached", each with subtle differences in emphasis. Proper usage involves understanding the specific meaning of unauthorized access versus general technical malfunctions, ensuring accurate and clear communication about cybersecurity incidents.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

compromised

Emphasizes the security breach and potential exposure of sensitive data or systems.

breached

Focuses on the act of breaking through security measures to gain unauthorized access.

illegally accessed

Highlights the unlawful nature of gaining entry to a system or information.

tampered with

Indicates that something has been altered or manipulated without permission, but does not necessarily mean accessed.

taken over

Suggests a complete seizure of control over a system or account.

infiltrated

Describes a subtle or stealthy entry into a system or network.

cracked

Implies breaking a code or security measure to gain access, but it is usually a password.

exploited

Focuses on the use of vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access or control.

sabotaged

Emphasizes intentional damage or disruption of a system or service.

penetrated

Similar to "infiltrated" but may imply a more forceful or significant breach.

FAQs

What does it mean when something is described as "hacked"?

When something is described as "hacked", it typically means it has been accessed or controlled without authorization, often involving computer systems or digital information. Other alternatives you can use are "compromised" or "breached".

What can I say instead of "hacked" when referring to unauthorized access?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "hacked" include "compromised", "breached", or "illegally accessed". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between a system being "hacked" and "compromised"?

While "hacked" and "compromised" are often used interchangeably, "hacked" generally refers to the act of gaining unauthorized access, whereas "compromised" emphasizes the resulting state where security has been breached and data may be at risk. They are similar but focus on different aspects of the event.

How can I protect myself from being "hacked"?

To protect yourself from being "hacked", you can use strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication, keep your software updated, be cautious of phishing attempts, and use a reputable antivirus program.