Computer hacking is the practice of modifying computer hardware
and software to accomplish a goal outside of the creator's original
purpose. People who engage in computer hacking activities are often
called hackers. Since the word "hack" has long been used to
describe someone who is incompetent at his/her profession, some
hackers claim this term is offensive and fails to give appropriate
recognition to their skills.
Computer hacking is most common among teenagers and young
adults, although there are many older hackers as well. Many hackers
are true technology buffs who enjoy learning more about how
computers work and consider computer hacking an "art" form. They
often enjoy programming and have expert-level skills in one
particular program. For these individuals, computer hacking is a
real life application of their problem-solving skills. It's a
chance to demonstrate their abilities, not an opportunity to harm
others.
Since a large number of hackers are self-taught prodigies, some
corporations actually employ computer hackers as part of their
technical support staff. These individuals use their skills to find
flaws in the company's security system so that they can be repaired
quickly. In many cases, this type of computer hacking helps prevent
identity theft and other serious computer-related crimes.
Computer hacking can also lead to other constructive
technological developments, since many of the skills developed from
hacking apply to more mainstream pursuits. For example, former
hackers Dennis Ritchie and Ken Thompson went on to create the UNIX
operating system in the 1970s. This system had a huge impact on the
development of Linux, a free UNIX-like operating system. Shawn
Fanning, the creator of Napster, the first peer to peer sharing
software, is another hacker well known for his accomplishments
outside of computer hacking.
Protecting yourself against hacking
There are many technologies out there you can use to prevent and
detect hacking. A firewall, a program designed to prevent
unauthorized Internet users from accessing your system, is the best
way to protect your computer from intrusions.
Types of attacks and intrusions
Hackers will commonly attempt one of the following
activities:
Access your computer.
Hackers can view, change or destroy any data on your computer.
They can modify important documents and then leave, with the
break-in and changes going unnoticed. Using remote administration
programs, hackers can gain control over your software
programs.
Crash or slow your computer.
Hackers are increasingly using Denial of Service (DoS) attacks.
Such attacks direct an intense barrage of data at the target in an
attempt to overload system resources and cause the system to crash.
This type of attack isn't usually directed at individuals. More
often the target is a large corporation or government agency with
advanced computer security. But, as the next item explains, DoS
attacks are very relevant to the home computer user.
Use your computer to attack others.
Hackers often use exposed computers to attack other systems. In
a Distributed Denial of Service (DdoS) attack, a hacker will
install a program on the compromised computer, which waits for a
signal from the hacker. Once the hacker has control of several
(sometimes even thousands) of computers, he or she instructs all of
them to launch a DoS attack on another system. Thus, your computer
becomes an attack tool against another computer.
Capture your private data.
When you send data over the Internet, hackers can use programs
called packet sniffers to capture the data as it travels and
convert it into readable format. This data may include user names,
passwords and other private information. Besides the obvious
potential fraud and privacy issues, this information can be used to
launch an attack on your system. Furthermore, users have no way of
knowing when their data has been intercepted.
Resources:
Australian
Hackers and Ethics
Recent news
stories on Hacking
Australian
Institute of Criminology, "Hacking Motive"