Hacking has always had a notorious reputation, with the public perception usually ranging from dark hoodies hunched over keyboards to cybercriminals breaking into high-security systems. But, as with any field, hacking can have its share of humor and unconventional exploits that leave people either amazed or giggling with disbelief. In this blog post, we will explore some of the lighter, more entertaining side of hacking; stories that showcase the creativity and wittiness of hackers, without causing any harm or breaching anyone’s privacy.

1. The Great Twitter Bitcoin Scam-But-Funny

In 2013, a hacker gained access to several high-profile Twitter accounts, including the likes of Elon Musk, Bill Gates, and Barack Obama. Instead of causing chaos or using this access to spread propaganda or hateful content, the hacker chose to post tweets with the same message, offering to double the Bitcoin of anyone who sent them any amount. While it made some people laugh, the hacker was later apprehended and the funds returned to their rightful owners.

2. The “Rickrolling” Phenomenon

If you have been on the internet long enough, chances are you have been “rickrolled” at least once. This amusing trend involves luring unsuspecting users to click on a link under the guise of something interesting or important, only to be redirected to the music video for Rick Astley’s 1987 hit song “Never Gonna Give You Up.” While rickrolling is not hacking per se, it does involve a bit of social engineering as well as some clever coding to ensure the video starts playing immediately upon visiting the link.

3. The Infamous Left Shark

During the halftime show of Super Bowl XLIX, Katy Perry was joined by two backup dancers dressed as sharks. The one on the left became an internet sensation almost immediately, as its dance moves were hilariously offbeat and awkward. The Left Shark quickly gained a cult following, and soon after, several 3D models of the character were created and shared online. This was much to the displeasure of Katy Perry’s legal team, who attempted to take down the files. In response, an anonymous hacker group launched a campaign to not only share the 3D files as widely as possible but also started “hacking” various 3D printers around the world to print more Left Shark models. It was a harmless, fun pushback against what many perceived as overzealous copyright enforcement.

4. The Case of the Phantom Pokeballs

In 2016, Pokemon Go became a global sensation, with players around the world walking the streets, parks, and trails in search of virtual creatures. As with any gaming phenomenon, hackers and cheaters tried exploiting the game. One amusing instance saw a hacker injecting a glitch into the game so that instead of the traditional Pokeballs, the game would spawn random, nonsensical items like “Phantom Pokeballs” or “Master Berries.” While this did not harm the game or its players, it certainly left a lot of people scratching their heads in confusion.

These stories showcase the lighter and more creative side of hacking, where the focus is on humor, curiosity, and challenging the status quo. While hacking can indeed have serious consequences, sometimes, it is important to remember that behind the screen are individuals who, like anyone else, can appreciate a good laugh or a harmless prank.