What is hackers: Definition and 11 Discussions

A hacker is a person skilled in information technology who uses their technical knowledge to achieve a goal or overcome an obstacle, within a computerized system by non-standard means. Though the term hacker has become associated in popular culture with a security hacker – someone who utilizes their technical know-how of bugs or exploits to break into computer systems and access data which would otherwise be inaccessible to them – hacking can also be utilized by legitimate figures in legal situations. For example, law enforcement agencies sometimes use hacking techniques in order to collect evidence on criminals and other malicious actors. This could include using anonymity tools (such as a VPN, or the dark web) to mask their identities online, posing as criminals themselves. Likewise, covert world agencies can employ hacking techniques in the legal conduct of their work. On the other hand, hacking and cyber-attacks are used extra- and illegally by law enforcement and security agencies (conducting warrantless activities), and employed by state actors as a weapon of both legal and illegal warfare.

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  1. berkeman

    Reminders that scammers and hackers are clever

    I managed to avoid a scam/hack over the last couple of days, but it was close. It might be good if we post similar hacks that we've avoided, in order to remind others of things to watch out for. I received a text a couple days ago from Xfinity (who we use at home for Internet and TV) saying...
  2. bob012345

    Did the Dallas Ransomware Attack Put Lives at Risk?

    The city of Dallas has been the target of a Ransomware Attack by criminal hackers for almost a week now. Some city services are still out. The public is not being told much except they think it is by a group called 'Royal'. Fire, Police, ambulance were all compromised as well as the other city...
  3. nomadreid

    Why doesn't public key encryption stop hackers?

    This is a question from a total non-specialist: I can't write or even read code; I just follow the mathematical underpinnings. The public key encryption schemes seem almost unbreakable, theoretically (until quantum computers come along), so what is it that allows hackers to hack one's email, for...
  4. G

    How fast can hackers crack 128 bit file encryption?

    I got a freeware encryption software with only 128 bit. How fast it is for hackers to crack 128 bit file encryption?
  5. kyphysics

    If Hackers Are So Skilled, Why Not Make $$$ w/ a Real Job?

    Always wondered about this. Why not just program or do security consulting? Those jobs are pretty good pay, right? Why do they become criminals?
  6. NATURE.M

    Aspiring Hackers Given False Reality

    So basically, I'm sure many of you have watched the new tv show Mr. Robot. I'll be the first to say that the show is incredible and quite possibly one of my favourites ever. And if you haven't watched it you should. But that's besides the point. It seems the show has inspired many non-tech...
  7. T

    Petition to protect the internet against hackers

    I would like your support in an urgent matter regarding internet security. As you know, hackers present a problem for both developers and users. This causes a game of cat and mouse between honest web developers and the hackers, with the users caught in the middle. Can I count on you to review...
  8. rhody

    Misha Glenny: Hire the hackers

    Interesting http://ted.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=07487d1456302a286cf9c4ccc&id=ad6cfbe1d0&e=3019be3615", Misha is very well spoken and articulate, see if you agree... He sums up by saying there is a high incidence of people who become hackers and those who have aspberger's syndrome...
  9. K

    Hackers exploit quantom cryptography

    Simple, ingenious, and effective. http://www.nature.com/news/2010/100829/full/news.2010.436.html http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMdf8Xwxvnw&p=5E45CC761E979839&index=2&playnext=2
  10. Astronuc

    Hackers get Mac running Windows

    :rolleyes: What is the world coming to? Hackers have managed to get Microsoft's Windows XP operating system running on an Apple Mac computer. The success ends a competition started to see if the feat was even possible when Apple unveiled computers that used Intel chips. The pair who...
  11. Saint

    Secure Your Online Protection with Zonealarm or Norton Firewall

    If you have Zonealarm or Norton firewall etc..., are you surely free from hackers? 100% safe ?
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