Virtual Stealth | Online | wavemag.com.np

We've read about them, we've heard about their latest exploits. They've created a buzz not understood by many. What is more, there seems to be a mounting veneration for them. They are the hackers of the world, who make their presence felt without being seen. The aura they have created has instilled a desire in many to enroll in one of the many computer institutes in the valley. Says a wannabe hacker, "Every time I read about hacking exploits, about hackers breaking into secure sites it creates a longing in me to master coding languages."

The 'Cool' factor attached to the word 'Hacker' is often overstated. Most of us view hackers as elusive, anonymous beings in a virtual world we don't understand. Our ignorance and the association of words like "Virus - Microsoft – FBI" have created an uncommon buzz about it. Unfortunately, many of us do not know what hacking is all about. We think it is merely breaking into someone else's computer system and stealing data, software information and ultimately creating havoc. In other words we simply think of hackers as 'computer criminals'.

Hacking is not a concept limited to computers. 'Phreaks' or phone hackers have been around since the 1870's. MIT's artificial intelligence lab became a staging ground for hackers. Initially hacking was a positive term used for a person who lives and breathes computers and who could push programs beyond what they were designed to do. Equally important, though, is the hacker's attitude. Computer programming must be a hobby, something done for fun, not out of a sense of duty or for the money. (It's okay to make money, but that can't be the reason for hacking). Someone who sets out to crack the security of a system for financial gain is not a hacker at all. It's not that a hacker can't be a thief, but a hacker can't be a professional thief. A hacker must be fundamentally an amateur, even though hackers can get paid for their expertise. A password hacker whose primary interest is in learning how the system works doesn't therefore necessarily refrain from stealing information or services, but someone whose primary interest is in stealing isn't a hacker. It's a matter of emphasis. Within computer hacking are many specialties. An algorithm hacker can code the best algorithm for any problem. A system hacker knows about designing and maintaining operating systems. A password hacker knows how to find any password. A hacker is an aesthete.

The creativity and ingenuity of hackers has been an overwhelming force behind the rapid development and constant upgradation of software and computing technology (which is, for most of us a big headache, especially home users). Hacking into Hotmail or Yahoo maybe the big thing to do but during the last year even local ISP's like WorldLink Communications and Mercantile have been hacked into. Pavan Sakhya of Worldlink says, "I'd rather call it cracking, but they couldn't disrupt our services." Says Ritesh of Mercantile, "They're doing it for fun, just to make a name for themselves. If they were really interested in pointing out our vulnerabilities they would inform us first before making it known to the press."

So what does it take to become a Hacker?

Many people may suggest you learn some language, but more importantly your objective should be to become a good coder. The language is less important, it's not the language that makes you a good coder. Once you've picked up a language and make it your mother tongue the other languages won't be a problem. Pick up a basic language like C or C++ since most modern languages are based on it. Forget Visual Basic, it's soon going to be replaced by C#, and the general rule is to avoid any language whose compiler is made available only by one single firm. Popular languages used by hackers are Python and Perl. Practice…practice…practice there is no short cut to becoming a real hacker.

Learn how to master your computer's operating system plus UNIX and Linux in addition.
Learn how to use every part of the Internet really well. The Internet means the Web, Email, live chat/internet relay chat (IRC), Usenet/Discussion groups, Mailing Lists, the FTP system, Telnetting and much more.
Learn how to create your own web site using HTML. There are plenty of free "How to" guides on the web. Once you have mastered HTML, start learning Java, PHP, Flash, or other advanced website programming languages.
Find real hacker discussion groups on the internet and become a member of the hacking community. Meet others like you online!

BIG TIMERS
Steve Wozniak aka 'The Wizard of Woz," legendary hacker and co-founder of Apple Computers with Steve Jobs came out with the "Blue Box," an illegal phone attachment that would allow the user to make free-long distance calls.

Kevin Mitnick once labeled "the most wanted computer criminal in U.S. history," released after a five-year sentence in January 2000, was under federal probation until January this year. Kevin now runs a security consulting company, Defensive Thinking Inc. The charges against him range from wire fraud to breaking into Pentagon computers and communications interception. Unfortunately, not every hacker can make it big.
The life of a true hacker is episodic, rather than continuous. Hackers create "hacks". A hack can be anything from a practical joke to a brilliant new computer program. But whatever it is, a good hack must be aesthetically perfect. If it is a joke, it must be a complete one. If you decide to turn someone's dorm room upside-down, it's not enough to epoxy the furniture to the ceiling. You must also epoxy the pieces of paper to the desk. Hack with a passion!