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🗓️ 16 Feb 2026  
Hacking back refers to the controversial practice where individuals, organizations, or even nation-states retaliate against cyber attackers by launching counterattacks on the attacker's own systems or infrastructure. The goal is often to disrupt, disable, or identify the attacker, recover stolen data, or deter future attacks. While some see hacking back as a form of self-defense in cyberspace, it raises significant legal, ethical, and practical concerns. Many countries prohibit unauthorized access to computer systems, regardless of intent, making hacking back potentially illegal. Additionally, attribution in cyberspace is difficult, increasing the risk of targeting innocent parties or escalating conflicts. As a result, hacking back remains a debated topic in cybersecurity policy.
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