Definition of a Computer Hacker

Computer hackers are technically defined as computer enthusiasts who break into remote computer systems, combining the power of the Internet and specialized programming skills to bypass sophisticated security systems for their own gain, ignoring any State and Federal laws they break in the process. Hackers are more broadly defined within the computer and Internet community as any individual who modifies existing computer software illegally for their own personal or financial gain; or anyone who programs malicious software in order to steal information from or alter another's computer system.

1. Roots

   • Computer hacking developed and grew alongside "phone phreaking," a movement unto itself that used techniques to exploit existing phone networks for personal and financial gain. Phone phreaking can be traced to the publication of "The Anarchist Cookbook," a book written by William Powell that includes the instructions for creating explosive devices, phone phreaking techniques, and other illegal items. It was later modified and added to by multiple authors and later distributed on the Internet. Hackers quickly adapted to the internet in the early 1990s, creating websites, forums and chat rooms to communicate and distribute their creations. The Internet was also used as a networking tool for numerous hacking groups who launched "cyber attacks" against government agencies and corporate computer systems in the 80s and 90s. The 2000s saw the proliferation of computer viruses and worms, and their subsequent attacks on networks and computers around the world.

   Types

   • Computer hacking comes in many forms, from the programming of malicious programs (called spyware and malware) to the breaking of sophisticated computer security systems. Many programmers exploit flaws in operating systems (most often Windows) and sell their work to companies that then distribute this malicious software in free, easily downloadable programs. Some hackers hide their creations in popular files that are distributed on file-sharing networks. There is no specific way to categorize hackers--they often "do their own thing" and move freely to wherever their motivations and interests take them.

   Personality

   • Hackers, though usually highly intelligent, often suffer from repressed anger, loneliness, resentment, or a combination thereof. While it's not possible to completely classify the personality of a hacker, it's safe to say he gains joy from the control and oppression of others through his own perceived superiority.

   Potential

   • Hackers, intelligent as they are, often leave the illegal hacking world behind to find more lucrative work in other areas of computer and programming science. For example, the author of "The Anarchist Cookbook", William Powell, converted to Christianity and attempted to have his book removed from circulation in 2000. Many creators of notorious viruses and worms are either jailed or fined, resulting in their subsequent rehabilitation.

   Internet Culture

   • Today, hackers dominate a substantial part of the Internet not normally visited by the average user. Whether they are a serious threat is difficult to say, but their effect on the Internet counter-culture movement cannot be denied. They use specialized language that has become common "Internet speak" in some circles, and operate websites with often questionable content (legal and illegal) that are notoriously difficult to navigate with numerous pop-up advertisements. Malicious software is easily downloaded from these sites.