Learning English

Hackers locking people out of their phones

Cyber criminals are hacking people's smartphones and other digital devices and demanding money from their owners. 

Language challenge

What is the original meaning of 'to hack'?

a) to hit with a hammer
b) to saw something open
c) to cut something roughly

Watch the video and complete the activity

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The story

Government crime prevention experts have warned that the rising number of gadgets being used by consumers puts them at a higher risk of being targeted by cyber criminals.

In a joint report, the National Crime Agency and the National Cyber Security Centre have warned that smartphones, watches, televisions and even fitness trackers could be used to access private data so that users can be held to ransom.

Key words and phrases

rise of
growth of (a significant, powerful phenomenon)

held to ransom
made to do something by threats

targeting
directing something at someone

To do

Try our quiz to see how well you've learned today's language.

Downloads

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Language challenge - answer

c) to cut something roughly

End of Session 2

Join us in Session 3 for Pronunciation in the News - our video which takes a word from the latest headlines and shows you how it's being said.