Essay/Term paper: What really is a hacker?

Essay, term paper, research paper:  Internet

What Really is a Hacker?


Dan Parks
Julie Jackson - Instructor
CIS 101
11-18-96

There is a common misconception among the general public about what
constitutes a hacker and what hacking is. Hacking is defined as "gaining
illegal entry into a computer system, with the intent to alter, steal, or
destroy data." The validity of this definition is still being debated, but most
individuals would describe hacking as gaining access to information which should
be free to all. Hackers generally follow some basic principles, and hold these
principles as the "ethical code." There are also a few basic "Hacker rules" that
are usually viewed by all in this unique group.

The principles that hackers abide by are characteristic of most people who
consider the themselves to be a hacker. The first, which is universally agreed
upon is that access to computers should be free and unlimited. This is not
meant to be a invasion of privacy issue, but rather free use of all computers
and what they have to offer. They also believe that anyone should be able to
use all of a computers resource with no restrictions as to what may be accessed
or viewed. This belief is controversial, it not only could infringe upon
people's right to privacy, but give up trade secrets as well. A deep mistrust
of authority, some hackers consider authority to be a constriction force. Not
all hackers believe in this ethic, but generally authority represents something
that would keep people from being able to have full access and/or free
information.

Along with the "ethical code" of hackers there are a few basic "hacking
rules" that are followed, sometimes even more closely then there own code. Keep
a low profile, no one ever suspects the quite guy in the corner. If suspected,
keep a lower profile. If accused, simply ignore. If caught, plead the 5th.

Hackers consider a computer to be a tool and to limit its accessibility is
wrong. Hacking would cease if there was no barrier as to what information could
be accessed freely. By limiting the information which may be attained by
someone, hampers the ability to be curious and creative. These people do not
want to destroy, rather they want to have access to new technology, software, or
information. These creations are considered an art form, and are looked upon
much like an artist views a painting.

References Consulted

Internet. http://www.ling.umu.se/~phred/hackfaq.txt Internet.
http://www.jargon.com/~backdoor Internet. http://www.cyberfractal.com/~
~andes.html