What is phreaking?

Phreaking refers specifically to the practice of hacking into telephone networks, often with the intent to make free calls or manipulate phone systems. This involves exploiting vulnerabilities in telecommunications systems or using various tools to gain unauthorized access to these networks. Historically, phreaking became prominent in the 1960s and 1970s, where individuals would create devices to mimic phone signals, allowing them to bypass standard payment methods associated with phone calls.

The technical knowledge required for phreaking encompasses understanding how telephone networks operate, including the signaling and infrastructure used in telecommunication. This knowledge enables individuals to manipulate the system for their benefit, such as making calls without payment.

Other options presented do not relate specifically to telephony and address different areas of cybersecurity, social engineering, and software development. Thus, option A accurately captures the essence of phreaking and its direct link to telecommunication networks.