WHAT IS HACKER?

The term "hacker" can mean two different things:

1. Someone who is very good at computer programming, networking, or other related computer functions and loves to share their knowledge with other people
2. Someone who uses their expert computer skills and knowledge to gain unauthorized access to systems, corporations, governments, or networks.

What most people think of when they hear the term "hacker"

The word "hacker" does not bring the best of thoughts to most people’s minds. The popular definition of a hacker is someone who intentionally breaks into systems or networks to illegally procure information or infuse chaos into a network for the express purpose of control. Hackers are not usually associated with doing good deeds; in fact, the term "hacker" is often synonymous with "criminal" to the public. These are black-hat hackers or crackers, the folks we hear about on the news creating chaos and pulling down systems. They maliciously enter secure networks and exploit flaws for their own personal (and usually malicious) gratification.

There are different kinds of hackers

However, in the hacker community, there are subtle class differences that the general public is not aware of. There are hackers who break into systems that don’t necessarily destroy them, who have the public’s best interest at heart. These people are white-hackers, or "good hackers." White-hat hackers are those individuals who break into systems to point out security flaws or bring attention to a cause. Their intentions are not necessarily to wreak havoc, but to do a public service.

Hacking as a public service

White-hat hackers are also known as ethical hackers; they are hackers who are working from the inside of a company, with the company’s full knowledge and permission, who hack into the company’s networks to find flaws and present their reports to the company. Most white-hat hackers are employed by actual computer security agencies, such as Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC). As stated on their site, "more than 1,000 CSC information security experts, including 40 full-time "ethical hackers," support clients in Europe, North America, Australia, Africa and Asia. Services include consulting, architecture and integration, evaluation and assessment, deployment and operations, and training. The deployment of ethical hackers to test the vulnerability of computer networks is one of the many ways CSC can help clients deal with ongoing security threats." These cyber security experts look for flaws in the system, and repair them before the bad guys can exploit them.

Getting a job as a hacker

Although white-hat hackers are not necessarily recognized as much as they should be, more and more companies are looking for people who can stay ahead of the individuals determined to bring their systems down. By hiring white-hat hackers, companies have a fighting chance. Even though these programming gurus were once considered outcasts in the public eye, many hackers now hold critical and extremely high-paying jobs with corporations, governments, and other organizations. Of course, not all security breaches can be prevented, but if companies hire people who are able to spot them before they become critical, then half the battle is already won. White-hat hackers have their jobs cut out for them, because black-hat hackers are not going to stop doing what they are doing. The thrill of penetrating systems and bringing down networks is just too much fun, and of course, the intellectual stimulation is unmatched. These are very smart people who have no moral qualms about seeking out and destroying computer infrastructures. Most companies that manufacture anything to do with computers recognize this,and are taking appropriate security measures to prevent hacks, leaks, or other security mishaps.