[_flux]

It clearly seems people have different meanings to the word, then.

For example, if I am able to gain root access to a WiFi access point I own, even though the vendor has tried to prevent it, then yes, I would call it a hack. To me, it doesn't matter why or who is doing the steps.

In fact, I believe I have never before heard someone combine the meaning of the word to be related to the ownership of the device being hacked.

I suspect the number of people understanding the word in your way is a minority. Redefining terms doesn't help build mutual understanding: here we are taking a word some think has negative connotations and then remove the thing they think should be cool and ok, and then suggest that this is actually the real meaning of the word. Personally I don't think this is how words should be wielded.

[wtallis]

> In fact, I believe I have never before heard someone combine the meaning of the word to be related to the ownership of the device being hacked.

Ownership implies authorization, and using the term "hacking" exclusively to refer to gaining unauthorized access to someone else's computer is a common usage that you must surely have encountered before.

[_flux]

So, this website being called "Hacker news", means.. ?

While hacking is used to to refer to illicit activities, I do actually believe that the same activities can also be performed e.g. on your own devices, or with permission, and still be called hacking. So in my view, I do not believe legality is the defining term, but the actual things you do; oftentimes useful for illegal activities.

But I must assume there is a group of people who consider the term to be loaded with that exclusion, so I should take this into account.

However, to me "hacking your own devices" as a concept seems crystal clear, and is not a contradictory term.

[oneshtein]

> For example, if I am able to gain root access to a WiFi access point I own, even though the vendor has tried to prevent it, then yes, I would call it a hack.

Yep. The owner of the device can sue you.

[alt227]

Why would they sue themselves?

[NooneAtAll3]

that's the point? it's not a hack because you own the device, thus it's nonsensical