networking curriculum
support CD for senior
secondary studies

Topics
. Home
. Networking History
. Why network?
. OSI model
. Connecting up
. Protocols
. Technology
. Network types
. Topologies
. Issues
. Design factors
. Economic effects
. www links
. Site map

networking > issues > Hackers / Crackers

Hackers / Crackers

'Hacking' used to refer to computer enthusiasts who delighted in inventing and modifying hardware and software to do impressive and novel things. Lately, however, the term has been hijacked to refer to people who enter computer systems without permission. Some purists prefer to use the term ‘cracker’ for these types of people.

There are many applications on the Internet to assist in hacking (e.g. pre-written hacking scripts used by unskilled but eager "script kiddies") but hackers are typically computer programmers. Hackers and cyber-vandals have become such a problem that there are police teams dedicated to electronic crime investigation. Some hacking is performed as a personal challenge for the hacker, causing little or no damage to the system they invade. Some hackers, on the other hand, are anarchists or criminals, or activists with political or religious agendas who aim to inflict maximum damage to the systems they breach.

The best way to avoid unauthorised access to your computer is to break the Internet connection when it is not in use. This is easy if using a standard or cable modem — simply turn off the computer.

However, modern broadband technology or an organisation hosting its own web site cannot be turned off. Firewalls and routers should be used to detect and prevent unauthorised access.

worksheets
. history
. why network
. osi model
. connecting
. protocols
. technology
. topologies (tla)
. issues
. network types
. design
. economics
. economics (cs)
   - solutions -

quizzes
. why network
. osi model
. connecting
. protocols
. technology
. topology
. issues
. network types
. design
. economics

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