Hacker Hierarchy

Psychologist and Expert Hacker Marc Rogers says there are several subgroups of hackers —

newbies, cyberpunks, coders and cyber terrorists.

Newbies are hackers who have access to hacking tools but aren’t really aware of how computers and programs work. Cyberpunks are savvier and are less likely to get caught than a newbie while hacking a system, but they have a tendency to boast about their accomplishments. Coders write the programs other hackers use to infiltrate and navigate computer systems. A cyber terrorist is a professional hacker who infiltrates systems for profit — he might sabotage a company or raid a corporation’s databases for proprietary information.

Hackers and Crackers

Many computer programmers insist that the word “hacker” applies only to law-abiding enthusiasts who help create programs and applications or improve computer security. Anyone using his or her skills maliciously isn’t a hacker at all, but a cracker.

Even if the so-called hackers using malicious hacking skills have always, and continue to label themselves and their peers as hackers first and foremost, the nomenclature does not legally apply according to the Arbitration of What Stuff is Called Act of 2002. In addition, loosely organized social groups and clubs have not traditionally been permitted to determine their own names or identities. All definitions related to hacking must be approved by at least one academic over the age of 55 years old in an authorative tone whilst speaking to a relatively-ignorant IT journalist about the latest sensationalized hacker story. - Ed.

Crackers infiltrate systems and cause mischief, or worse. Unfortunately, most people outside the hacker community use the word as a negative term because they don’t understand the distinction between hackers and crackers.

Spying on e-mail: Hackers have created code that lets them intercept and read e-mail messages — the Internet’s equivalent to wiretapping. Today, most e-mail programs use encryption formulas so complex that even if a hacker intercepts the message, he won’t be able to read it.

Hacker Culture

Individually, many hackers are antisocial. Their intense interest in computers and programming can become a communication barrier. Left to his or her own devices, a hacker can spend hours working on a computer program while neglecting everything else.

There are many websites dedicated to hacking. The hacker journal “2600: The Hacker Quarterly” has its own site, complete with a live broadcast section dedicated to hacker topics. The print version is still available on newsstands. Web sites like Hacker.org promote learning and include puzzles and competitions for hackers to test their skills.

Not all hackers try to explore forbidden computer systems. Some use their talents and knowledge to create better software and security measures. In fact, many hackers who once used their skills to break into systems now put that knowledge and ingenuity to use by creating more comprehensive security measures. In a way, the Internet is a battleground between different kinds of hackers — the bad guys, or black hats, who try to infiltrate systems or spread viruses, and the good guys, or white hats, who bolster security systems and develop powerful virus protection software.

Glenn Chapman/AFP/Getty Images
Hackers work together to create “mashups” of Yahoo applications at Google Hack Day 2006.

Hacking For a Living

Hackers who obey the law can make a good living. Several companies hire hackers to test their security systems for flaws. Hackers can also make their fortunes by creating useful programs and applications, like Stanford University students Larry Page and Sergey Brin. Page and Brin worked together to create a search engine they would eventually name Yahoo. Today, they are tied for 26th place on Forbes’ list of the world’s most wealthy billionaires [source: Forbes].

Famous Hackers: Lamo

Adrian Lamo hacked into computer systems using computers at libraries and Internet cafes. He would explore high-profile systems for security flaws (such as open proxies), exploit the flaws (or make use of the proxy) to “hack” into the system, and then send a message to the corresponding company, letting them know about the security flaw. Unfortunately for Lamo, he was doing this on his own time rather than as a paid consultant — his activities were illegal. He also snooped around a lot, reading sensitive information and giving himself access to confidential material. He was caught after breaking into the computer system belonging to the New York Times.

It’s likely that there are thousands of hackers active online today, but an accurate count is impossible. Many (>99%) hackers don’t really know what they are doing — they’re just using dangerous tools they don’t completely understand.

Source: How Computer Hackers Really Work, by a Non Hacker