Tuesday, 26 July 2011

Week 3 - Response to content

A hacker is a person who illegally and without authorization gains access to a computer system. A hacker also has been defined as "a person who enjoys learning the details of computer systems and how to stretch their capabilities,” and “one who programs enthusiastically." The hacker is using computers to construct trial and error.

A hacker has also been described as a “cracker” who breaks into high security computer systems to get a kick and look around for fun.

In this new millennium, we are living in a society that is highly dependent upon information technology. However, whilst technology can deliver a number of benefits, it also causes new vulnerabilities that can be taken advantage by persons with the necessary technical skills. Such as hackers represent a well-known threat in this area and are responsible for a big part of disruption and damage to information systems. Nevertheless, they are not the only criminal element that has to be taken into consideration. 


Technology is increasingly seen as potential tool for terrorist organizations. This is leading to the emergence of a new threat in the form of ‘cyber terrorists’, who attack technological infrastructures such as the Internet in order to help further their cause.

source:
Robert J. Sciglimpaglia, Jr., Computer Hacking: A Global Offense, 3 Pace Y.B. Int'l L. 199 (1991) at: http://digitalcommons.pace.edu/pilr/vol3/iss1/8
S. M. Furnell, a and M. J. Warren, Computer hacking and cyber terrorism: the real threats in the new millennium,? Volume 18, Issue 1, 1999, Pages 28-34, at http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0167404899800066

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