Date: Fri, 02 Jun 2000 08:34:49 -0500 From: "G. Adam Stanislav" <adam@whizkidtech.net> To: Bob Collins <pineypl@bellsouth.net>, freebsd newbies <freebsd-newbies@FreeBSD.ORG> Subject: Re: Hacker vs Cracker was <Re: System intrusion> Message-ID: <3.0.6.32.20000602083449.00914210@mail85.pair.com> In-Reply-To: <3937A420.13BB2AC9@bellsouth.net> References: <A8D9B16D2196D2118B6E00A0C9E307F423857A@beachpdc1.beachassociates.com> <3936C217.C615F2CD@malf.net>
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At 08:10 02-06-2000 -0400, Bob Collins wrote: >> that if it's a "common hack" with less than $50,000 damage, they're not > >What is the difference between a hacker and a cracker? >I see the terms used so loosely, does anyone really know? Oh, yes, *we* know. It's the uninitiated who have misused the term hacker to mean cracker that are the cause of any confusion. A hacker is someone with deeper knowledge of what computer do and how they work. A hacker can do things even the manufacturer says are not possible. A hacker has a great respect for computers, and for computer users. A hacker never abuses his knowledge to hurt anyone. Quite the contrary: If a hacker happens on a security hole in your system, he will most likely let you know, even suggest how to fix it (which is why hackers are so adamant about not using Windows if you can avoid it). A cracker is someone who breaks into other people's systems, generally with the intent to harm or otherwise exploit (e.g., steal information, destroy data). Hence, by definition, a cracker is not a hacker, nor is a hacker a cracker. Cheers, Adam To Unsubscribe: send mail to majordomo@FreeBSD.org with "unsubscribe freebsd-newbies" in the body of the message
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