New perspective on computer hackers

Frank Rees

D r Nicholas Chantler of Curtin University’s School of Information Systems in Australia has spent eight

years studying the media representation of hackers, the extent to which they pose a threat to society, and their ‘real’ impact on computer systems. His 3000 page thesis, “Risk: The Profile of the Computer Hacker” reveals that although hackers are not as dangerous as the media paints them, there is a continued refinement of ‘hackerdom’.

“A major concern for the future is organized crime capitalising on the efforts of hackers”, Dr Chantler said. “Computer hackers cover a range of personalities, each

with a different motive and intent, and few of

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_ areas of criminal computers and pose a

fraud and threat to society is mostly unfounded. The

sabotage” surveys didn’t show that hackers were a bunch of reclusive

computer nerds. The sophistication with which they problem solve and write programs indicates a very good ability to relate to the social world.”

His research also showed that hackers were not as severe a threat to information technology in the areas of criminal fraud and sabotage as they are thought to be. He said there was, however, no doubt that a very real problem existed with regard to illegal copying and modifications of programs which impinge upon copyright legislation and the loss of income for the publisher.

Dr Chantler said that he found an almost “begrudging recognition” or “negative appreciation”

from the public of the expertise of hackers. His study was conducted through observing hacker activity within the computer environment, interviews with hackers and other stakeholders, and examining hackers’ artefacts - programs, notes, games, utilities and other products they have developed.

Despite the potential threat hackers present, Dr Chantler concluded that hackers could also be a valuable resource to society. “Nobody has forced them into ‘hacking’, so they are very self-motivated and dedicated. Imagine what an asset a team of people with these attributes would be to an organization. The obvious downside is that some hackers lack the ethical background to be able to determine which actions are criminal and which are not.”

Notebooks offer easy targets for thieves

Thomas Kaneshige

T he fast emerging mobile notebook computers are fast disappearing thanks to unscrupulous thieves who

find the high-tech notebooks easier and more lucrative to steal than old-fashioned purse snatching. One out of every four corporate employees or travelling salespersons toting their notebook computer has to explain to their boss what happened to the miniature suitcase-sized portable machine. The costly and fast rising epidemic of notebook thefts has prompted US government agencies such as the Federal Aviation Administration and private companies such as Kensington Microwave Ltd in California to leap into action, offering preventive brochures and anti-theft devices.

One of the frequent areas where laptop theft occurs is in airports. Although most notebook toters are safe-minded enough not to check the computer in as luggage, thieves are now pilfering the machines right off the conveyor belts while the owners pass through the metal detector. The FAA has issued a warning in order

8 Computer Fraud & Security June 1996

0 1996 Elsevier Science Ltd