Further, Rogers pointed out that not all Hackers are criminals. He has categorized them as follows: (Jeremy Quittner, Hacker Psych 101);

Old School Hackers: akin to the 1960s style computer programmers from Stanford MIT for whom it is an honor to be a hacker; interested in analyzing systems with no criminal intent; they believe the Internet was designed to be an open system;

Script Kiddies/ Cyber –Punks: wannabe hackers and crackers; use other Cracking programs carelessly with the intent to vandalize and corrupt systems; often caught red-handed because they brag their exploits online.

Professional Criminals: breaking into systems and selling information Is their livelihood; they get hire for espionage; often have ties with organized Criminal groups; not interested in disrupting systems but more on stealing intelligence data;

The list of motives is endless: boredom, illicit thrill, addiction, blackmail or low self esteem, and a desperate need for recognition from the hacker peer group, all cowardly performed under the protection of anonymity.

“Underlying the psyche of criminal hackers may be a deep sense of inferiority. The mastery of the computer technology or the shut down of a major site causing millions of dollars of damage is real power trip.” (J. Quittner, Hacker Psych 101, Hackers: Computer Outlaws)

Jarrold M. Post, a George Washington University Psychiatrist says: It’s (Hackers) a population that takes refuge in computers because of their problems sustaining real world relationships.”

The less information you share in the Internet the better. But as computer wizards, Hackers will always find ways to reconstruct your identity even with very little details in their possession.

However, there are varied ways by which you, a legitimate Internet user can be protected. Know the warning signs and get educated on how to thwart any attempt to victimize you. Don’t take the wired blows sitting down.

“Constant awareness and updating of knowledge is the best defense to any attack,” wrote Shayne Gregg, CA (NZ), CISA, CMC, in ‘A Response to Recent Cyber Attacks.’ (Information Systems Audit & Control Association InfoBytes)

I recommend The Complete Idiot’s Guide to: Protecting Yourself Online by Preston Gralla, Executive Editor, ZDNet. It is comprehensive, easy to understand, and a must for every Internet user’s library.

HACKERS, CYBERPUNKS, et al

Cyber Crime is not monopolized by hackers or crackers. The pedophile, thief or drug dealer in your community who hire computer experts to carry out their illegal activities online are as guilty and despicable.

Just like the criminals roaming out in the real world, Cyber felons are a bunch of psychologically imbalanced and misguided citizens who happen to have the dexterity to commit electronic transgressions or hire a computer expert to do the job and will never get enough despite their Cyber Glory and ‘conquests.’

Still the tendency to commit a crime lies hidden in wholesome images, while the unsuspecting is often caught by surprise. What you don’t see is sometimes what you get.

Hackers cannot be strictly stereotyped. Peter Shipley, Chief Security architect for the Big Five firm KPMG avers: “I know a lot of hackers, including one who spends an hour and a half in the gym everyday. He is built. I know of women who are knock-down gorgeous who are hackers.”

No Exceptions

Whenever high tech-crazed folks travel through your wires to make your computer system malfunction, steal your identity or get paid to give you trouble, it’s a sign that you do not take the needed precaution whenever you log in.

When I asked myself quietly back then “Why me?” I guess the reply would be “And why not?” As with most inventions, the Internet is being abused and mishandled. And as always, a helpless victim completes the drama.

Anyone can be a casualty at random regardless if one is honest, educated, high profile, residing at the far end of the globe or a Stay-at-Home- Mom working hard and peacefully from her abode.

Hackers won’t care how his/her prey will feel.

But I am still hoping that such an impressive brainwork will be put to good use by present day hackers, just how their predecessors intended Hacking to be used.

Grace V. Planas is Filipino Chinese living in the Philippines, a Homemaker and part time Freelance Writer. Formerly a Contributing Writer to Working Woman Magazine-Philippines, she writes poetry, psychology/self help, and informative as well as inspirational pieces based on research, personal and other people’s experiences. She has had articles published in various Writing/Literary websites and continually submits works online. Read more of her other articles at: www.geocities.com/my_hearts_haven/index

Email: grace21857@netscape.net