Research: What is your definition of a hacker?

[Glickman]

Please answer truthfully, of course there is no right/wrong answer

Option 1: Unauthorized user who attempts to or gains access to an information system

Option 2: A person who enjoys exploring the details of computers and how to stretch their capabilities. Intelligence IS NOT factor

Option 3: A person who enjoys exploring the details of computers and how to stretch their capabilities. Intelligence IS a factor

Option 4: BlackHat vs White vs Gray



This is for an essay, which ill post for some criticism (cause i know you guys love to shout at me ) after its done

[Eagle]

I say option 1, option 2 & 3 I look at as crackers. I've done a little of this in my younger days. Never caused any damage, just did it to see what was there, and see if I could actually do it.

[Beemer]

Most hackers, however, are law-abiding and hasten to separate themselves from these criminals by referring to the latter as CRACKERS.

Cracker
A person proficient at deciphering codes and passwords and breaking security systems for illegal or unethical reasons. The term was invented by computer hackers to replace the term "hacker," which often has been inaccurately associated with computer foul play. In fact, in many instances, "hacker" refers to a savvy computer user. Compare to hacker.

Crackers give the hackers a bad rap.

____________

[Lohman446]

Please answer truthfully, of course there is no right/wrong answer

Option 1: Unauthorized user who attempts to or gains access to an information system

Option 2: A person who enjoys exploring the details of computers and how to stretch their capabilities. Intelligence IS NOT factor

Option 3: A person who enjoys exploring the details of computers and how to stretch their capabilities. Intelligence IS a factor

Option 4: BlackHat vs White vs Gray



This is for an essay, which ill post for some criticism (cause i know you guys love to shout at me ) after its done

Seeing the actual definition above my response may be a little off, however I am going to go with the quasi definition of hacker as it was likely meant for this essay. And in response, I hope you don't try to justify option 1 through option 2 or 3. Unauthorized and illegal access is just that, regardless of motive.

[Hairball]

I like to think I know quite a bit about computers, and even how to do some, uh, dishonest things. I don't consider myself a hacker though.

[tribalman]

these kids. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0113243/
but i say number 1

[SCpoloRicker]

Ever since Defcon became a commercial venue... just meh.

So, option 5: a term with no real relevance anymore

Or, more positively:



Decent eye candy.

[steimway]

Hack the planet!!!

[SpitFire1299]

In soccer, we call a hacker someone who "hacks" at your ankles.

[Miscue]

It's lost its meaning. The general public and media is very loose with the term and has mutiliated it... no longer resembling its original form.

"Are you a hacker?" "I work/specialize in this/these computing field(s). Interpret it how you'd like."