Principles of Computer Security: CompTIA Security+ and Beyond Lab Manual (Exam SY0-601)

Introduction

Mainstream media and pop culture use the term hacker to describe someone trying to undermine computer security by breaching defenses and exploiting vulnerabilities for malicious purposes. Traditionally, though, the term has referred to computer experts pushing boundaries to achieve goals and overcome obstacles.

The Jargon File from 1975, a glossary and usage dictionary of slang for computer programmers (part of The Hacker’s Dictionary and The New Hacker’s Dictionary), presents eight definitions of the term hacker, which can be found at http://www.catb.org/~esr/jargon/html/H/hacker.html.

The first definition is “A person who enjoys exploring the details of programmable systems and how to stretch their capabilities, as opposed to ...