Discussion Week 3 - CIS170

Hackers and Cyber Criminal Organizations

From the first and second e-Activities, explain the hacker ethic and hacker manifesto.

The Hacker Ethic consists of the idea that anything and access to computers should be unlimited with total access, all information should be free and also that full trust in authority should not be allowed (decentralization), individual hackers should be judged by merits of quality or ability and that art is created and is beautiful with computer use and further that with usage it brings a better status of life.

The Hacker Manifesto is a brief literary text written by “The Mentor” which encouraged usurping adult authority, law enforcement and schools, and was very influential in the increase of hackers.

Give your opinion as to why hackers do not consider themselves to be criminals. Include one (1) example of such types of hackers to support your response.

Based upon the Hacker Ethics and Hacker Manifesto the hacking into computers and databases is not considered a criminal act because they attribute their intrusions to curiosity and need to explore the networks and they therefore escape the legality of the law.

One example of hackers that do not consider themselves a criminal is called the “White Hats”. These hackers have been reformed or rehabilitated and enter without malicious intent without damage to databases.

Describe at least two (2) ways in which organized crime uses social media sites for its benefits.

Three ways in which organized crime uses social media for benefits are:

1. Intelligence operations for collection information – collection of information of targets
2. Facilitate the commission of crimes – accessory or level that helps commit acts of fraud
3. Communications vehicle – send codes for specific reasons, communication cover

Next, speculate on the measures that the government could take in order to combat digital crimes perpetrated through social media sites. Provide a rationale for your response.

The measures that the government could take in order to combat digital crimes perpetrated through social media sites would include insulating the systems against intrusion and putting a rattler (invasive aggressive worm that gather information of identity) to retaliate and prevent any hacking into the sites.

Further because digital crimes are steadily increasing everyday due to the recession and lack of employment opportunities studies should be done per segment in a “If then what” pilot to try to prevent crimes. Fake tests with various scenarios of how accessible these sites are with vulnerabilities listed and challenge to close the door shut. Preventive measures will always help protect sites and since reputations are built on negative reinforcement and corrective enforcement this should help freeze and prevent.

Reply to co-student #1

Hackers also steal and the more restrictive and confidential the information the more valuable to sell. This is why identity theft is a major problem for all and cost the global economy enormous amounts of money.
Also, the "Manifesto" preaches in the text about having contempt for barriers, adults, law enforcement, schools and that all computers are accessible to gain knowledge.

Social media is also used as a hedge, cover and pass on details about criminal activities.

Thank you.

Felicia

Reply to co-student #2

Not only do they believe that hacking is ethical, hackers looks at his code of ethics and this is what he/she considers during a hacking experience and that is access should be allowed, all information should be free, no one should completely trust authority, quality vs quantity is a determining factor in ability and the art that is created with a computer is beautiful and that the usage of a computer will bring about a better status of life.

Also, I agree with the rest of your points and expansion on social media is great and explains a lot.

Thank you.

Felicia