Forwarded From: Simon Taplin <stickert_private> http://cnet.tv.com Inside a hacker's world by Elissa Palmer While at one time hacking was seen as an elite skill reserved for the technically proficient, these days it's becoming all the more common if not mainstream. In the recent attack on the N.Y. Times Web site, a hacker group called "Hacking for Girlies" (HFG) posted pornographic images and added racial slurs and profanity to the site. The hack was reportedly a protest against both the imprisonment of hacker Kevin Mitnick, and the creation of basic "how to" hack books which characterize hacking as almost recreational, a notion which many underground hackers resent. To make matters worse, when HFG hacked the N.Y. Times Web site, they also condemned several other hack groups, which in turn caused those groups to retaliate by hacking other sites to denounce HFG. But it's no coincidence that a major news publication like the N.Y. Times was targeted. In general, most hackers don't like the media, and feel the way hackers are portrayed is usually inaccurate and unfair. Even AntiOnline (a site about hackers and hacking) creator John Vransevich is placed in this category, and is seen as playing to the media. He uses his site to chronicle hacking activity, which some in the underground community believe simply glorifies the exploits of inexperienced hackers. Regardless of how he's viewed, Vransevich predicts that the cycle of graffiti will only escalate. In a recent editorial, Vransevich attributes the hacking "wars" to the lack of respect young hackers have for technology, since many are now bypassing the traditional years of learning required to hone computer skills by instead using point and click hack programs and the basic "how to" hack books. Security Analyst Ted Julian suggests that the best tactic for companies with Web sites is to take serious security precautions, which include conducting a risk assessment, identifying potential vulnerabilities and creating a disaster plan in case their site is attacked. If you're using an Apache server and want some security tips, check out our recent CNET Builder.com feature Maximum Apache. Also, for more info on the N.Y. Times hack and other recent hacks, check out the CNET News.com links. And if you'd like to watch this story on CNET Central this weekend, we've listed the airtimes below -o- Subscribe: mail majordomot_private with "subscribe isn". Today's ISN Sponsor: Repent Security Incorporated [www.repsec.com]
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