Final answer:
Computer hacking originally involved the theft of computer time, evolving to include various criminal activities such as identity theft and national security breaches. It poses significant risks to individuals, businesses, and governments in our digital society.
Step-by-step explanation:
Origin of Computer Hacking
Computer hacking is generally said to have started with the theft of computer time. Hackers originally began by exploiting weaknesses in computer systems to gain free access to computing resources that were otherwise expensive or restricted. Over time, hacking evolved to include a variety of malicious activities, including identity theft, stealing personal and sensitive information, financial fraud, and breaches of national security.
With the increase of digital information storage, hacking activities have also become more common, leading not only to personal data breaches but also severe consequences such as national security threats and election interference. Data breaches can lead to significant financial losses and chaos as they affect government agencies, businesses, and individuals alike. Hence, safeguarding against such threats is a critical challenge in our increasingly digital world.