Dictionary of Information Security

H

hacker originally, the term meant one who was skilled in

the use of computer systems, particularly if that skill

was acquired in an exploratory manner. Later, the

term evolved to be applied to those, skilled or

unskilled, who break security systems. Actually, you

can generally determine people’s level of technical

expertise by how they use the term. A person who

uses “hacker” for “expert” is someone who really

does advanced technical work. Someone who uses

“hacker” as meaning a bad guy may have a technical

background of some type, or a technical job, but

usually is nowhere near the cutting edge.

hacktivism system penetration or corruption with a polit-

ical or social intent.The term is considered slang,

and is not carefully defined, but is generally accept- ...