Maximum Security, Fourth Edition

Chapter 3. Hackers and Crackers

IN THIS CHAPTER

• The Difference Between Hackers and Crackers

• Tools of the Trade

• Exploits and the SANS Top 20

The purpose of this chapter is to illustrate the methodology and steps a hacker or cracker employs when attacking a network. It also provides an overview of the System Administration Network Security (SANS) Top 20 vulnerabilities that crackers can exploit.

The Difference Between Hackers and Crackers

To understand the methodology of a hacker or cracker, one must understand what a hacker or a cracker is. Internet enthusiasts have argued the difference between hackers and crackers for many years. This chapter contains my contribution to that debate.

If I were forced to define the terms hacker and cracker, my bottom ...