Essay on Computer System Hacking Text

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3 sources cited length: 2133 words 6.1 double spaced pages precis of 'who's reading your e mail the article exposes the vulnerability of computer data and of corporations with the popularity of the internet. The internet can allow hackers access to any computer in the world, with understated ease. Major corporations and government security departments have acknowledged that hacker break ins are out of control. Software programs brought out to deal with the growing problem, such as firewalls, are no longer totally effective. New technology has been developed such as ''pilot network services' offering supervised internet access 'netranger' a monitor device used by pentagon and 'encrypton' software that jumbles messages.

The basics of computer security using difficult passwords, and guarding of data are not being met in a disturbingly large number of american companies surveyed. Hackers can be prosecuted with subsequent heavy penalties only if the exposed company has actively shown that it was security conscious. Further more, exposed companies are liable to other companies if their lack of security precautions allowed their computer network to become an opening for other company companies are dis inclined to report breaches in security as it denotes a poor image and highlights their vulnerability. Others are utilizing the expertise of former convicted hackers to fine tune and update their security features. These hackers come out of goal with a ready market for their expertise, and great financial rewards. And networks around the world have brought with it a need for greater security consciousness amongst its users and systems operation managers. Technology needs to be constantly updated in the war against the ever growing insidious and precis of 'hackers: taking a byte out of computer crime' by w.

Roush discusses the changing face of computer crime with the advent of the modem and stricter laws. The article touches on the effect these changes are having on hackers themselves, and the measures that are put in place to deal with the problem. It also explores the common ground which hackers and computer security experts agree on. In the 1960's the dictionary definition of a hacker was that of a computer virtuoso. Hackers comprised of young, computer literate and rebellious gangs vying for the status symbol image and thrill of breaking into a computer network. This all changed with the popularity of the modem and an increasing number of computer users.

The number of hackers exploded and thus the image of being a hacker became passe. The tougher security measures put in place, combined with more stringent laws including imprisonment had the effect of weeding out all but the keenest of hackers, and the most malicious. Firms and security enforcers are now dealing with elite hackers whose intent is now focused on sinister revenge, malicious damage, political and defense corruption and monetary greed.

The cost of these types of computer crimes could run into the billions, but an accurate measure is unavailable. This is due either to the reluctance of corporations to report any break ins because they may feel guilty about their lax security , or because the information systems are so massive that the scale of corruption may be too difficult to detect. There are also a select few who choose to label themselves as hackers with moral ethics. These second types of hacker prevalent today are assisting companies and law enforcers in the fight against dangerous hackers in a number of ways. These include holding hacker conventions and on line information services to inform the public of new security risks, as well as being employed by corporations to break into their systems in order to secure and refine them.

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These hackers love computers and are motivated by the anger and frustration they feel at the prevailing laxity of security measures in place. Despite this level of co operation there remains an inherent distrustful fear between the two camps. Fear is also a motivating factor for corporations in refusing to join networks, allocating enormous funds for security measures restricting access to information and utilizing passwords to deter alien entry. There is a need to continue to work with ethical hackers in the battle for safety and order, otherwise we face an increasingly monitored future and a reduction in the freedom of computer use.

This article initially focuses on the us indictment of neidorf, a student who started an internet publication, 'phrack'. This publication was accused by the united states government of being a fraudulent scheme devised by nied and others to steal sensitive documents and make them freely available to the public. The court case was centered on an article about the countries e99 emergency system, and how he managed to fraudulently obtain a highly sensitive document which was then published with the intent to disrupt or halt all the author had taken a keen interest in the case due to the implications it had on threats against freedom of the electronic press. It helps to raise public awareness about civil liberties issues and works to preserve and protect the constitutional rights with denning was sought by neidorf to assist in the case an expert witness and to provide evidence throughout the trial. Neidorf's case was argued that while phrack may have seemed to promote illegal hacking, the public itself was not illegal. The purpose of phrack was the free exchange of information as covered by the first amendment of constitutional law and civil liberties. Neidorf actively co operated with the government agents in every way prior the indictment.

Furthermore, it was found that the supposed sensitive document e911 was readily available elsewhere. There was nothing in phrack that couldn't be found in any other published books or journals. In addition, neidorf argued that if the e911 text had been a sensitive document, it certainly was not treated or secured as such by bellcorp. Denning questions the rights of government to seize documents and computer ware for extended periods, causing severe disruption, without appropriate court orders and makes suggestions to rectify the process. They should take greater care from unauthorized break ins, as they may be vulnerable to lawsuits if accused of taking inadequate protection.

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Denning also suggests an update of the current law, to bring it more into line with the uk computer misuse act of 1990. There is an acknowledgement of a new threat emerging where computer criminals, as opposed to juvenile hackers, are potentially capable of industrial espionage and damaging infrastructures. There is also a final suggestion that the teaching of computer ethics could decrease the articles written by roush, denning and behar, as summarized earlier, have many common themes. Issues about hackers, the internet, on line publications, invasions, security measures, and current laws are discussed within varying frameworks.

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Denning's article approaches the topics through the lens of a court case involving neidorf, a law student and the publisher of phrack an internet billboard. The case highlights that there is a fine but distinct line between the right for freedom of information, and the unauthorized theft and use of it. In a subtle way, denning also distinguishes between the two prevalent types of hacker. Roush's article focuses primarily on the history and changing profile of today's hacker, and their interaction with companies and behar discusses vulnerabilities via networks and the various measures available to prevent or circumnavigate invasions.