Cracker/Hacker

seek

Doin Boson test..and it had "What is the diff. between a hacker and a cracker?

Thier answer is Hacker is good and Cracker is bad.

If thats true why do all the questions have a Hacker launching DDOS or viruses? Shouldnt that be a Cracker?


Seek

janmike

Just like "white hat" or "black hat" or those evil "script kiddies". Go figure! Bottom line: we all know right from wrong--even the kiddies.

Actually, I doubt that this question originates from CompTIA.

There used to be a story about the origins of the term hacker. I don't remember what it was--something about model railroaders.

Well, I'm starting to post stories on an exam forum. Best shut up!

JDMurray

The term hacker is generally used to describe people who continually work at a problem until it is solved using methods that are non-standard, improvised, and experimental. The opposite of a hacker would probably be a scientist who uses standard equipment, practices, theories and models to solve problems.

A cracker is simply someone who breaks into software and systems like a burglar breaks into houses. Crackers may use hacking techniques or be more scientific in their methods, and they typically steal and/or damage what they crack. The media has latched on to the term hacker and ignored cracker--probably because of how cracker is remembered as a politically incorrect term used in the 70's.

And I remember hearing that the term hacker is originally an 18th century English term decribing a carpenter who made crude furniture from wood shaped using only a hand axe.

Disley

Unfortunately the term "Hacker" has been destroyed by the media, but it used to be a compliment.

Just remember, Hackers build things; crackers break them.