To Hack The Definition Of A Hacker example essay topic

TO HACK OR NOT TO HACK The definition of a hacker, according to the Hacker's Dictionary is, "a person who enjoys exploring the details of programmable systems and how to stretch their capabilities". Most hackers think of hacking as a game in which their mind is up against that of the system designers. The Internet allows the hackers to take files, programs, passwords, and other information from users that are using it. They use this as a tool to make it easier to beat a system. Most hackers start hacking as a way to create mischief and to have fun, but with time it may become an addiction and may cause serious run ins with the law. There are many methods of hacking; one of the more familiar methods is the method in which they try to crack a password with a valid user name that they have acquired.

Once they have a user name they can attempt to crack the password. It may seem that it would take a long time to crack the code but with today's technology it is possible to acquire software that could test 500 000 passwords a minute. Within no time the hacker would be able to gain access into the system, and once they are in, they could change passwords and also change the configuration of the system potentially causing a lot of damage to the system if they see fit. Another method of hacking is the method in which the hacker, "listens in" on the computers communication. This is possible with the easy download of software that logs every keystroke of the keyboard.

They can then look over everything that was typed into the computer and find out what user names and passwords are used by the computer user. They can then gain access and change whatever they want to. One of the more difficult ways to hack, but, one of the more elegant forms, is to be able to bypass a password. This is done by gaining access through a different server and thereby being able to enter an account without the use of a password. It is a more difficult way of doing things, but it is a more satisfying accomplishment to a hacker once they have done so.

With the rapid growth of the internet, comes a greater need for security and privacy. Hackers are finding that when they have run ins with the law, their punishment is very severe, for what they are doing. They are finding that sentences for hacking are greater then those of robbery and murder. Recently a new bill has been introduced into the US legislation, "Cyber Security Enhancement Act of 2001", which would increase the punishment of hackers found guilty of illegal activity. An example of this strict punishment, is the arrest of a 17-year-old New Hampshire High School dropout who was arrested for gaining unauthorized access to a DARE. com computer system in Los Angeles. He was charged as an adult with two counts of unauthorized access to a computer system.

Each charge carries up to 15 years in prison. In China hackers may be found guilty and sentenced to death because Capital Punishment is a legal repercussion that some hackers may be faced with.