Tippity tap, Hacker


A guy in a hoodie, with face down and partialy obscured, looking shady against a very dark background


Originally the term hacker meant any skilled computer programmer that used their technical knowledge to triumph over a problem. However, due to mainstream media it refers to someone who gains access to systems through the use of bugs or exploits. 

There are different levels of hackers. Firstly, script kiddies use computer code or programs written by other more-skilled persons to break into systems without understanding the technical knowledge involved.

Next, there are crackers (no, not the biscuit kind LOL) who are persons who also break into the systems, but they got this name from the analogy of safe-cracking. To make a more distinct separation, now there are:
  • White hat hackers.
  • Gray hat hackers.
  • Black hat hackers.
A woman with glasses behnd a flat screen computer writing code
 The white hats are the most ethical (aka good guys), who work to keep data and systems safe. In contrast, the black hats are the least ethical (aka bad guys). Gray hats fit in-between and may break laws or ethical standards; usually these are researchers who look for exploits to research and improve security.

So, now that we have an idea of what hacking is, why do people do it? Well, there are four reasons for hacking:
  1. Financial gain – to steal credit card numbers or personal information to carry out fraud or other criminal activities or engage in questionable tactics. 
  2. Increased reputation – the hacker culture recognises many talented hackers and some may do it to gain fame and status. 
  3. Corporate espionage – companies gain information from competitors or other companies on their products and services through theft; or leveraging information to obstruct companies. 
  4. State-sponsored attacks – nations engage in cyber-warfare or cyber-episonage. By collecting intelligence on the enemy or initiating cyber-attacks that disable or obstruct the enemy.   

Are you interested in becoming a hacker? Which one?

Comments

  1. I'm interested in seeing them in jail. (The bad ones) Already suffered from identity theft, it sucked bank had to pay us back. ATM skimmers everywhere, no where is safe. I guess I gotta buy those Amazon and Steam Gift Cards again...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sorry to hear. I'll write a post on preventing those things.

      Delete

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